Before the accident, Robin Caldwell was a vibrant and active 50-year-old man who embodied a spirit of independence and adventure. As well as being a skilled mechanic and HGV Class 1 driver, Robin had a passion for motorcycles and regularly competed in off-road endurance racing. An incredibly self-reliant individual throughout his life, Robin tackled DIY projects and home modifications himself with ease and enjoyed doing so. He and his partner shared a love of travel and regularly visited their holiday property in southern Spain, cherishing each moment of their adventures together. But on 1st July 2020, Robin’s life took an irreversible turn when a vehicle pulled out in front of his motorcycle along the Upper Road in Carrickfergus, resulting in a catastrophic collision. Robin suffered devastating injuries. Today, at 54 years old, Robin's life is drastically altered. Paralysed and confined to a wheelchair, he will remain permanently dependent on specialist 24-hour care for the rest of his life, a stark departure from the independence he once had. As well as dealing with the physical and emotional impact of such a life-altering accident, Robin still awaits justice for the negligence that changed his life forever. Despite being nearly four years on from the collision, Robin has not been told whether the driver who pulled out in front of him is going to be prosecuted. He has received very limited communication from the PSNI or the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) throughout the last four years. While the PSNI recently confirmed that a decision had been taken by the PPS to prosecute the driver, Robin has not been given details of those charges or even when they will be put to the driver. Robin tells us; "The lack of communication from the PSNI and the PPS about this crucial decision has been nothing short of disgraceful. The extensive delays have served as a constant reminder to me of the injustice that I have suffered, which has impacted not just me but my entire family. The delay makes me feel like there is no accountability for the accident, which in turn has made it impossible for me to try and come to terms with my injuries." Our Martin Hanna is Robin’s Solicitor and he echoed Robin's sentiments, denouncing the prolonged delay in any prosecutorial decision as "unusually long and inexcusable". Martin commented:- “This was a very straightforward road traffic collision where a vehicle pulled out in front of Robin leaving him with no way to avoid the accident. The driver’s insurer has been equally frustrated by the delay to any criminal proceedings, and it is astonishingly poor that a prosecution has not been brought before now as we approach the fourth anniversary of this tragic accident. Robin’s frustration is rightfully merited as he has been left without any semblance of justice for far too long.” “Robin has suffered one of the most devastating types of spinal cord injury that a person can sustain and requires a highly specialised 24-hour care regime. His disability is permanent, and he will require a lifetime of adapted accommodation, care, therapies and equipment. He rightly calls on the PPS and the PSNI to explain the delays and proceed as quickly as possible with charging the driver.” While Robin remains courageous in his ongoing fight for justice, his case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless and dangerous driving and the critical need for swift and transparent criminal investigation following accidents. The spotlight now falls on the authorities to uphold accountability and bring about decisions in good time to avoid any further distress, frustration or upset to victims like Robin who understandably require and deserve closure. If you have been in an accident and require legal advice on your ability to claim compensation. contact Martin on mhanna.co.uk or call us on 028 9024 3901 to discuss your options. A client who was left paralysed from the neck down following a devastating road collision has spoken to the press of his disappointment and frustration with the delay of the PSNI and PPS in deciding to prosecute the driver who caused his accident.