Tyneside driver who caused head-on A19 crash avoids jail
She's been banned from driving for a year and handed a suspended prison sentence
Last updated 8th Jul 2026
A Tyneside woman who veered into oncoming traffic and caused a serious head-on collision near Thirsk has avoided jail and been given a one year driving ban.
21-year-old Megan Sanderson caused another woman in her 20s to suffer serious injuries.
York Magistrates' Court heard how on 8 April 2025, Sanderson veered into the path of oncoming traffic on the A19 Southbound near Bagby.
Her Citroen DS collied head-on with a Kia Picanto travelling northbound.
Both drivers had to be cut free from their cars.
The driver of the Kia suffered a displaced right ankle, a broken leg, and a deep laceration to her arm. She says she still suffers pain daily.
Sanderson suffered a broken arm and other minor injuries.
Sentencing
Sanderson, of Haggerston Terrace in Jarrow, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving.
She's been handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, a one-year driving ban, and has been ordered to pay £439 in fines and costs.
"I feel I have lost my confidence now"
In her Victim Personal Statement, the victim said: "Before the collision I was a confident driver, but I feel I have lost my confidence now. My resilience and pride made me start driving again as soon as I could, but I have struggled with this.
"Before the collision, I was really independent, and I felt like I had my independence taken away from me and I needed to rely on other people. I suffer from pain on a daily basis. I have good days and bad days."
She concluded: "Not only has the collision had an impact on me but it has also had an impact on my family and my boyfriend who continue to provide me with the support I need. I am determined to make as much progress as I can, but I worry about the impact that my injuries might have on my future."