A lorry driver caused serious injury to a jogger after he failed to bring in one of his vehicle's stabilising legs.
The metal pole-like structure was sticking out the side of Andrew Brady's truck as he drove along Cleadon Lane, in Cleadon, South Tyneside.
A court heard that the oblivious 58-year-old travelled for nearly two thirds of a mile with the leg stretching out above the pavement before it stuck a male runner.
The victim suffered a catalogue of serious injuries, including a fractured vertebrae, a bleed on the brain, broken ribs and significant cuts to his scalp.
He was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Brady, of Skendleby Drive, in Kenton, Newcastle, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Tracey Wood, prosecuting, said the accident happened on Cleadon Lane and Tile Shed Lane on April 6 last year when Brady was behind the wheel of a large flat bed lorry.
"He was driving a work vehicle at a time when the stabilising leg was in such a position it has been raised out, stretched above the pavement," Mrs Wood continued.
"It happened for around two thirds of a mile from the start of his journey until the leg has struck a male jogger, who was out jogging on the pavement.
"It caused him significant injuries."
Mrs Wood added: "This is a case the Crown would say isn't suitable to be finalised here.
"There has been serious injury caused by dangerous driving."
The court heard that Brady had no past convictions and his legal team invited magistrates to order a pre-sentence report, as they would be making submissions for him to be given a suspended sentence at a future hearing.
Brady was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 27 for sentence.
