during a road accident.

And while Donald Hassell, 30, of Curtis Lane, Sandys, was pleading guilty to giving positive tests for excess alcohol, the 17-year-old victim was still recovering in hospital -- a month after the crash.

Charges of driving while impaired by alcohol and dangerous driving were withdrawn in Magistrates' Court.

Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting, said that Hassell was driving a van along Middle Road on August 22, close to the entrance of the Belmont Manor Hotel.

Insp. Duffy said that a motorcyclist narrowly missed the van which was on the wrong side of the road, going around the corner, before hitting another motorbike head on.

He said: "It was quite clear that the van was on the incorrect side of the road and caused the motorcyclist serious injuries. His left leg was broken, he had serious damage to his lungs and his voice box.'' Hassell's breath smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred when Police spoke to him. He supplied samples which proved positive.

In mitigation Mr. Robin McMillan said that Hassell had worked in the hospitality business since the age of 16. Currently he is working at Flanagan's and the Country Squire restaurants.

Mr. McMillan said: "Although he has been involved in the hospitality trade never at any time before has he succumbed to drink socially at his place of work.

"On this occasion there were `exceptional circumstances.' He had a friend from Hartford, Connecticut, visiting him at Flanagan's. He had not eaten all day.

"He strayed from his normal path and started drinking at the bar while he was talking to his old friend and listening to a new band.

"He drove home with regrettable consequences, with a serious and very unfortunate injury to the young gentleman involved. He wished to give his profound apologies to the victim of the accident.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined Hassell $500 and disqualified him from driving for a year.