A Lyneham man who struck a cyclist with his van was himself admitted to hospital after a similar incident in his youth, a court has heard.
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John Bailey Field, 64, collided with the cyclist while turning right in Lyneham in June last year.
The rider was taken to hospital with head, spinal, and arm injuries as a result of the crash about 1.55pm on June 14.
Field, of Lyneham, pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
Court documents said the Australian National University academic had been driving west along Wattle Street.
He stopped at an intersection to change gear, with the intention to turn right into Lambert Street.
The court heard the traffic had been light, the weather clear, and the road surface in good condition.
The cyclist then collided with the front left side of Field's van as he crossed the intersection.
The rider suffered life-threatening injuries, including head trauma and facial fractures.
He also broke both his wrists and court documents said he would need more surgery to treat the damage.
Field – who represented himself – appeared for sentence before Magistrate Robert Cook on Tuesday.
The offender told the court he was himself "car-doored" as a 15-year-old, leading to a four-month recovery.
Field said this incident meant he had a deep sympathy and empathy for the man he hit.
"I am truly sorry," Field said.
Field – who described himself as a "courteous and careful driver" – said he had looked carefully before he turned but failed to see the cyclist who had been dressed in black and travelling at speed.
He asked the court to grant him a section 17 – which would mean a conviction would not be recorded – as a criminal record would prevent him travelling to some countries in his work as a landscape scientist.
Field also argued against a licence suspension as he needed to travel to the south coast to visit his partner, who was in care.
But prosecutor Paul Sweeney said the extraordinary harm suffered by the victim meant a non-conviction order would be inappropriate.
He said a message had to be sent to the community that motorists must pay constant attention when using the road.
Mr Sweeney said moments of inattention could have drastic consequences, especially when involving vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
The magistrate accepted Field's regret and remorse, but noted the offender believed the cyclist to be partially responsible for the accident.
Mr Cook noted the offender had a minor criminal history and rated the offence as mid-range.
He convicted Field, disqualified him from driving for three months, fined him $500, and placed him on a one year good behaviour order.
