A driver who admitted causing a head-on crash has been given the chance to meet the resilient victim whose life he temporarily shattered.
Mohammed Rafi was due to be sentenced after pleading guilty to dangerous driving in November 2017.
But the 23-year-old, of Charlton Road in St George, was told the driver he smashed into was willing to meet him under the restorative justice scheme.
That scheme gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the real impact of the crime, empowering them by giving them a voice.
It also holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them to take responsibility and make amends.
Judge Mark Horton told Rafi: "The victim has shown considerable insight.
Driver cut free from car following crash in Whitehall
"It is quite rare for the adult victim to raise restorative justice.
"If that can take place it should take place.
"Restorative justice is something that has been available for some time.
"It is something that the court ought to allow.
"The effect and result is something the court should consider before I sentence you."
Sentencing was adjourned until May 8.
Neil Treharne, prosecuting, said Rafi was driving a VW Jetta on busy Brunel Way, towards the city, when he weaved in between vehicles, lost control, crossed the carriageway and smashed into an oncoming Audi.
Dad groped his daughter before hitting himself and asking her to spank him
The Audi was being driven by David Budworth, who had just been to a birthday meal in Clifton and had his daughter in the rear seat and his son in the front seat.
Mr Treharne said Rafi got out of his car and apologised.
Emergency services were called and while Mr Budworth suffered bruising to his chest and cut hands his son sustained a broken collar bone, chipped vertebrae, bruising and shards of glass in his eye.
Mr Budworth's daughter suffered a deep cut, a slight tear to a lung and bruising.
Mr Treharne told Bristol Crown Court the Audi was a write-off.
But Mr Budworth stated his children "bounced back" and he was OK.
Mr Budworth stated: "I've not been left angry.
"I'm willing to engage in restorative justice.
"It would help the driver and it would help me.
Man carried out knifepoint raid at Thomson Travel Agents in Downend
"I want him to understand what his actions have caused."
Giles Tippett, defending, said his remorseful client had wanted to get home and accepted his culpability.
Mr Tippett said: "He wants to engage in restorative justice.
"He wishes to engage."
