An elderly driver hit and injured a teacher and secondary school pupils - two of whom were 'thrown into the air'.
Retired teacher Keith Robert Dootson, now aged 77, from Wigan, was trying to free his automatic Toyota Yaris from a parking space jam in the grounds of Sizergh Castle, near Kendal, Cumbria, as a large group of children walked past at lunchtime on July 17 of 2017.
As Dootson hit the accelerator his wheels spun and gravel was sprayed 'in all directions', Carlisle Crown Court heard.
After the students from Kirkbie Kendal secondary school were instructed to stop, his car engine was heard revving loudly before being driven out 'at speed and zig-zagging'.
Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said: "The vehicle struck two of the children, throwing them into the air.
The car continued 'at speed' towards teacher Adele Nicholl, then aged 57.
She was hit and thrown to the ground, striking her head, and the car then collided with two other girls.
"The scene after the incident is described by witnesses as one of panic and distress," said Mr Rogerson.
Dootson's car came to a halt 135ft beyond the first collision point.
Ms Nicholl - the most seriously injured - suffered an open fracture dislocation of her left little finger, requiring plastic surgery and 'still visibly deformed'; a fractured left ankle; and a knee ligament injury.
She was hospitalised and still suffered 'flashbacks of the girls being thrown over the bonnet'.
Ms Nicholl had been due to fly out to Australia three days after the incident to see her daughter and grand-daughter, but was unable to travel.
She had to use a frame to walk while her favourite activities of horse riding and leading expeditions in jungles and mountains across the globe had been affected, according to Mr Rogerson.
He added: "She remains emotional, often in tears and she struggles to sleep due to constant pain.
"One 13-year-old girl was detained in hospital having sustained swollen eyes, leg pain and a broken nose, for which she will have reconstruction surgery when she turns 18. Three other youngsters suffered cuts and bruising."
Former teacher Dootson, of Scot Lane, Aspull, near Wigan, told police he had caught the accelerator too hard and 'panicked'.
He expressed 'genuine remorse' for conduct which was not deliberate.
His lawyer, Philip Holden, said: "He is extremely sorry and shocked at the injuries he caused.
"He has had a hitherto unblemished record. He has led a good and proper industrious life."
Mr Holden added: "This is a very unusual case with very serious consequences indeed, undoubtedly borne out of a man who should probably have given up his licence before this incident occurred."
Dootson admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Ms Nicholl. He was handed a 15-month jail term, suspended for two years, and a six-month night-time curfew.
Judge James Adkin heard Dootson hadn't driven since the incident, having immediately surrendered a driving licence held for nearly 60 years.
Judge Adkin - who banned him from driving for life - concluded: "It was a piece of bizarre, dangerous driving which caused serious injury to members of the public."
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