A pensioner has been jailed for causing a horrific head-on smash in which a woman motorcyclist lost a leg.

A judge said it was a miracle Jean Kelly, 44, survived the accident on the A65 near Hellifield on September 12 last year. She was airlifted to hospital with a severed femoral artery and injuries that led to her left leg being amputated at the knee.

David Wilson, 69, of Malsis Road, Keighley, was jailed for nine months and banned from driving for six years at Bradford Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock said he did not see Miss Kelly and her partner, Graham Hill, as they rode their Harley-Davidson motorcycles towards Skipton.

He was driving his disabled wife in a specially-adapted minibus when he went to overtake a heavy goods vehicle.

Miss Kelly was in front of Mr Hill when she saw Wilson’s vehicle in the road ahead of her.

The Halifax couple were in radio contact and Miss Kelly said: “Graham, help me” just before the impact. She braked but could not get out of the way of the on-coming vehicle.

They collided head on and the minibus went on to clip Mr Hill’s bike, knocking him off.

Miss Kelly suffered life-threatening injuries and attended court in a wheelchair.

Wilson later told police he caught his sleeve on the gear lever.

In a statement, Miss Kelly, who was a keen motorcyclist, said every aspect of her life had been ruined.

Wilson’s barrister, David James, said he did not see the bikes when he went to overtake the lorry. “He is a frightened man and well aware of the jeopardy he faces today,” Mr James said.

Wilson was sole carer for his wife, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, and she would have to go into a home if he was jailed. He was of good character and would never drive again.

“He never intended to hurt anyone. It was a genuine misjudgement on his behalf,” Mr James said.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said the crash had tragic consequences for both families but: “This court’s concern is, and always will be, for the victims.”

Miss Kelly was “rudely and savagely hit” by the minibus. It was a miracle she survived.

Judge Durham Hall said she suffered “a life-threatening, life-changing, crippling injury.”

Jailing Wilson, he told him: “I am very sorry Mr Wilson, but you must go with the dock officer.”