A Sidmouth rugby player who was badly injured in a car accident nearly three years ago is still receiving medical treatment and has not been able to return to the sport.

Tim Goody suffered serious injuries to his left leg when the car, being driven at speed by fellow player Taine Benson, came off the road on a bend in a country lane between Sidmouth and Otterton in September 2021. All three had been at a training session at Sidmouth Rugby Club and were on their way to Exmouth.

Last week Benson was cleared of dangerous driving but convicted of the lesser offence of careless driving.

Following the court’s verdict, Tim and his legal team have issued statements. Since the accident he has been working with serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the specialist support and therapies he requires as part of his recovery.

Tim said: “The CPS’ decision to charge the defendant and the subsequent trial has brought back everything from that day which has been hard to relive. I am still having ongoing treatment for my injuries, potentially require more surgery, and will not be able to play sport to the level that I was prior to the accident.

“I am glad to see a conclusion to the criminal proceedings and I thank the jury for considering the evidence.”

In the accident, Tim suffered a ‘significant’ penetrating wound to the left knee with bony injury to the joint surface and damage to the medial collateral ligament. He also had extensive soft tissue injuries to the left thigh, calf, ankle and heel, including an exposed left Achilles tendon.  

He underwent two surgeries whilst an inpatient; one to explore, clean and debride the wounds and apply vacuum dressings, and the second to receive a split skin graft to his left knee and left heel/Achilles.  He remained in hospital for five days immediately after the accident.

Laura Bailey, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Tim, said after the hearing: “It has been a very difficult time for Tim and his family as they come to terms with what happened that day and the impact that his injuries have had on his daily life.

 “While Tim has seen progress with his recovery, he still faces many challenges and we’re determined to help provide him with the specialist care he needs.

 “We thank the jury for listening to the evidence and continue to support Tim and his family at this difficult time.”