A PARAMEDIC manager was seriously hurt in a high-impact road collision, a court has been told.

David Neil Hughes’ Audi was flipped over onto its roof and he was initially trapped in the wreckage after the collision on the A496 Talybont to Barmouth road in November.

The driver of the other car, a VW Golf, Paul Thomas, 34, of Golden Lion Flats at Dolgellau, admitted careless driving.

Prosecutor Shaun Bartlett-Evans said that it was at about 3.25pm on 21 November that Mr Hughes approached a right-hand bend only to be confronted by the other vehicle on his side of the road.

There was a high-impact collision, the Audi was flipped over onto its roof and it came to rest 60 metres away.

After being initially trapped, Mr Hughes was able to crawl out and was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd where he had a fractured vertebrae, whiplash, and pain to his left shoulder and back.

It had a significantly detrimental effect on his ability to work as a paramedic manager.

He had to use a walking aid and the collision had caused him huge anxiety when travelling in a vehicle.

Mr Hughes now suffered from claustrophobia after being trapped in the vehicle.

While his employers had been supportive, he was no longer able to fulfil the full range of duties which would affect his career progression, he said in a victim impact statement.

Thomas admitted careless driving.

Victoria Evans, defending, said he accepted responsibility for what had occurred and was remorseful.

There had been a heavy downpour, he glanced down to adjust his wipers and the collision occurred.

Thomas was fined £466 with £85 costs and a £46 surcharge - and six penalty points were imposed on his driving licence.