A SOHAM teenager s plans for university were shattered when he had a road accident on the way to take his A-level exams, a court heard. Graham Hickmott was driving to Long Road Sixth Form Centre when he joined a queue of traffic on Soham by-pass – and as

A SOHAM teenager's plans for university were shattered when he had a road accident on the way to take his A-level exams, a court heard.

Graham Hickmott was driving to Long Road Sixth Form Centre when he joined a queue of traffic on Soham by-pass - and as he turned in the road without indicating, a motorcycle

collided with his car.

The motorcyclist was seriously injured and both vehicles were written off, so Hickmott missed the exams that would have got him into Nottingham University.

Appearing at Ely courthouse on Thursday, the 18-year-old admitted driving carelessly on May 25. He was fined £120 with £35 costs, and five points were endorsed on his licence.

Prosecuting, William Powell said Hickmott, of Northfield Park, was driving a Renault Clio at 8.05am on May 25 when traffic was moving slowly towards the roundabout.

Hickmott pulled out to do a U-turn without indicating, directly into the path of motorcyclist Jim Church from Coveney, who was travelling in the same direction.

Representing himself in court, the teenager said he was planning to do a three-point turn in the road, and was crossing into the opposite carriageway when the motorcyclist, coming from behind, collided with the offside of the car.

"I thank God that Mr Church was not more seriously injured," he said "I have signed up to do advanced driver's training with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

"I did not drive for four months afterwards, I did not want to get behind the wheel, and I still have not driven along Soham by-pass."

He is still studying and plans to re-take his exams next year.