An 85-year-old driver escaped a ban from Skipton magistrates despite driving into the path of a motorcyclist.

The court heard that the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and suffered a cut leg and injured wrist and groin after being hit by Stephen McGuinn, on June 3.

McGuinn, of Overdale Court, Skipton, was crossing the B6160 at a notorious crossroads on his way to visit his son at Linton Falls, the court heard.

In a statement read out in court, the motorcyclist said he had been travelling at around 40mph when McGuinn had driven across his path. With no time to brake, he had ridden into the passenger side of the car.

McGuinn, who admitted driving without due care and attention, had been driving since 1948 and had no previous convictions, the court was told.

In mitigation, John Mewies, said McGuinn was a fit and very able man who looked considerably younger than his 85 years.

He said it was a very difficult junction and added that the accident could have happened to anyone.

"This was an error of judgement which in no way was contributable to the defendant's age or experience," he said.

McGuinn had his licence endorsed with three penalty points and was fined £100. In addition, he was ordered to pay £45 costs and £15 victims surcharge.