A PENSIONER who clipped the wing mirror of an oncoming car as he overtook a tractor on the Ely bypass has admitted careless driving. John Barfield slammed on his brakes after the incident on May 7, and was then hit from behind by the tractor he had overta

A PENSIONER who clipped the wing mirror of an oncoming car as he overtook a tractor on the Ely bypass has admitted careless driving.

John Barfield slammed on his brakes after the incident on May 7, and was then hit from behind by the tractor he had overtaken, city magistrates were told.

"This was a very bad overtaking manoeuvre," said prosecutor Matthew Bradbury.

Barfield, 68, was driving a Volvo estate car when he overtook the tractor, clipping the wing mirror and wheel arch of the oncoming car.

"He cut back in front of the tractor and caused a second collision."

Barfield, of Berwick Road, London, also admitted speeding less than a fortnight after the incident on Ely bypass. He was caught driving at 42 mph in Barwell Road, Cambridge, where there is a 30 mph speed limit.

Solicitor Jacqui Baldwin said Barfield had suffered a nervous breakdown just before Christmas.

"He accepts his judgement was lacking in regard to the overtaking of the tractor," she said.

"It was a momentary lapse - he has held a clean driving licence for 37 years."

The retired chartered surveyor was banned from driving for six months and fined a total of £410, with £105 costs and a £15 surcharge.