A CENARTH driver seriously injured a friend who was a passenger in his car when he crashed and overturned.

Jordan Jay Hands, of Danygraig, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention when he appeared before magistrates at Aberystwyth Justice Centre. He had previously denied the charge.

Hands, 22, had picked up his friend from Cardigan in his VW Polo and they were travelling along the B4570, near to Langoedmor on their way to see another friend at Llandysul on November 25 last year.

As Hands drove around a sweeping left-hand bend, the car mounted the grass verge, skidded and then overturned several times before finally coming to rest in the road.

The passenger suffered serious injuries, with a deep cut to his head which resulted in the skull bone being exposed and required a skin graft and still requires further surgery. He also sustained an injury to his left shoulder.

Hands suffered cuts and lacerations to his head and arms, while the car was badly damaged.

Magistrates fined him £260, along with five penalty points on his licence. He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £30 victim surcharge. He must pay it back at £40 per month.