Michael Pearce trial tractor collision in Cornwall

THE TRIAL of a tractor-driving pensioner has been adjourned after an issues with a witness statement left the court unable to continue proceedings.

Michael Joseph Pearce, aged 76, of Newmill, near Penzance, appeared at Truro Magistrates' Court today on one count of allegedly driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or in a public place without due care and attention after a collision with two cyclists left one 'critically' injured.

Magistrates heard evidence from three witnesses for Crown Prosecution Service which says its case is seeking to prove that the defendant had "driven in a way that fell below what would be expected of a careful driver.