Man Suffered Bleed On Brain And Broken Knee And Ankle When Hit By Careless Driver

A businessman who suffered a bleed on the brain when he was knocked down in a shopping centre car park has urged drivers to always put safety first after a motorist was convicted of careless driving.

John Kittelsen also suffered serious fractures to both his right knee and ankle in the incident which happened when he was hit by a car while walking across the car park at the Brooklands Centre, near Weybridge.
 
John, of West Byfleet, had to undergo surgery and will need to undergo further operations in future. The grandfather-of-seven’s injuries are still significantly affecting his life nearly nine months after the collision which happened outside the M&S store.

He has instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation he requires.

The collision occurred after the driver failed to notice John walking across the car park and drove into him, knocking him to the floor.

John has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in urging drivers to ensure they pay attention at all times. It comes after the motorist who hit him was found guilty of careless driving at Staines Magistrates’ Court. Stephen Tudor, 65, of Chart Sutton, near Maidstone,  received six points on their licence and was ordered to pay a fine and court costs of £1,281.

Expert Opinion

“John has faced an incredibly difficult few months since the crash with the incident undoubtedly highlighting how such issues can have a lasting effect on those involved.

“The prosecutor commented that the driver should have been able to see John as although it was dark they had their headlights on, the road was well lit and there was also lighting coming from the supermarket.

“John has made good progress in his recovery but still faces many challenges. We will continue to support John and his family and join him in reminding motorists of the need to take care at all times. Now the criminal prosecution has concluded John can focus on his rehabilitation and trying to get his life back on track.” Anna Pask - Senior Associate Solicitor

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John has been married to his wife, Sue, for over 50 years. The couple, who run two car businesses, have two daughters.

John had just taken shopping from Tesco to his car and was returning to the store to buy a plant when he was knocked down at about 8pm on 11 December, 2018.

He was taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey where he spent two days. He underwent surgery in early January.

He recalled: “Everything happened so quickly and the pain was just horrendous. I remember several people rushing over and I think I was blacking in and out of consciousness.

“I am very grateful to the members of the public and staff from the shops who helped me.”

John added:  “I cannot overstate the effect that this incident has had on me. In recent months I’ve been hugely reliant upon Sue and this has been difficult for her, particularly as she has faced a breast cancer diagnosis and a knee replacement in recent years.

“Christmas was ruined and my injuries are still affecting me. I still remain in a significant amount of pain and have trouble remembering things, meaning it has been difficult for me to get back to work.

“Although me and Sue are both in our 70s we still remain active. Since the accident we haven’t been able to enjoy many of the things we used to such as going to the theatre and horse racing. My main hobby is motor sports and I have raced cars for over 20 years. I do not know if I will ever be well enough to go back to this.

“While it is difficult not to feel that the sentence the driver received was lenient in comparison what we are facing, I appreciate that the court has to stick to guidelines and I am grateful that the court recognised how careless the driver was. 

“I just hope that by speaking out that motorists will take their responsibilities for  road safety seriously and always take care whether on the roads or in locations like car parks. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.”