A PENSIONER who crashed his car into a cyclist causing "severe injury" said he simply didn't see him.

James Findlay appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.

The court heard that around 8.45am on June 7 last year, the 76-year-old was travelling north along Burnhill Street in Rutherglen.

The cyclist was travelling south when Findlay stopped to turn right on the junction with Cathcart Road.

Depute fiscal Tanjeel Maleque said: "On turning his vehicle he failed to observe the witness on his bike who had right of way.

"This caused the accused to collide with the front near side of the bike, causing severe injury to the witness and damage to the bike and motor vehicle.

"At 8.55am police were summoned to attend.

"At this time they observed the witness to be in pain and discomfort with visible injuries to his right arm."

Findlay told police he didn’t see the cyclist and had just heard a thump.

The injured man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

The court heard the man suffered a list of injuries, including multiple broken ribs, fractured vertebrae, a spine injury, punctured right lung and had lacerations to his right arm that needed 10 stitches.

He was in hospital for a number of nights but was released for recovery at home.

While at home he then suffered a collapsed right lung and had to be readmitted.

Later on the day of the crash, Findlay was cautioned and charged and said: “I didn’t see him. If it was a car I would have seen him.”

The court heard Findlay has just finished treatment for lung cancer.

He has a clean licence and the vehicle was a Mobility car for his wife who has sciatica and has to be driven wherever she goes.

Findlay’s defence lawyer said: “I don’t know what the cyclist was wearing of if there were lights.

“He has made a momentary lapse in turning right without giving prior thought but that is a mistake people do make, not just 76 year olds - that's something that does happen.

"He is regretful that he made that error and he immediately accepted it.

"He just thinks he was checking the road was clear in regards to a right hand turn.

"It was a momentary lapse but a significant lapse."

Sheriff Patricia Pryce said: "I have heard everything your solicitor had to say.

"This was an extremely unfortunate event and you have never ever been in bother before in your life."

Findlay was given six penalty points on his licence and ordered to pay a £300 fine with a £20 victim surcharge.