A PRIVATE hire driver, who collided with a pedestrian in Bradford city centre, has been warned he faces a prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bradford Crown Court was told that the victim, Sophie Rajput, who had to be airlifted to hospital, had suffered very extensive and long-lasting injuries in the accident, which involved a blue Toyota Hiace private hire vehicle.

Judge Jonathan Rose said he needed up-to-date medical reports on the pedestrian and a victim impact statement before he could sentence the driver.

Tariq Karamat, 46, of Nottingham Street, Thornbury, Bradford, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to Sophie Rajput by driving dangerously in Hall Ings, Bradford, on March 14 this year.

He remained standing, with his arms folded in front of him and leaning with his back against the wall of the dock, during the short hearing yesterday.

Prosecutor Philip Standfast told Judge Rose that the most recent medical evidence was from the end of July.

Mr Standfast said that at that time the registrar in neurosurgery was indicating that the “prognosis was uncertain” and the victim was going to a rehabilitation centre.

He added she had suffered “very extensive injuries which are likely to have a residual effect over a period of time”.

Solicitor advocate John Bottomley, representing Karamat, asked for a pre-sentence probation report.

Judge Rose adjourned sentencing until December 1. He granted conditional bail to Karamat.

He said that if Karamat breached any condition of his bail, or failed to attend the sentencing hearing, he would be committing a separate offence.

The judge added: “The fact that I am adjourning sentence, bailing you and ordering a report, is not in any way an indication of the likely sentence.

“You must understand it is highly probable you will receive a prison sentence for this offence. Do not be under any illusions as to the outcome.”

He imposed an interim driving disqualification.

The woman, thought to be in her 30s, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with multiple serious injuries after the air ambulance landed in Hall Ings.

The road was closed for three hours.

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