A lorry driver who crashed his car into a tree, putting himself and three passengers in hospital, has been allowed to stay on the road.

Thomas Dylan Lloyd Jones, 23, of Llangadfan, Welshpool, was sentenced for careless driving at Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 9.

Magistrates said he was "very lucky" to have an "excellent reference" from his employer, the court heard.

The collision involving a white Vauxhall Corsa happened just after 2am on Sunday, September 9, 2018, on the A490 junction with B4393 near Bwlch y Cibau.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said that Jones collided with a large tree in the hedgerow, magistrates heard.

Two of the passengers had serious injuries, with one staying in hospital for four days. Jones himself was left with "serious head injuries" and had to stay in Stoke University Hospital for four weeks, the court heard.

In a statement read out to the court, Jones said that as he was in a coma for two weeks, he is unable to recall everything that happened, but made comments about the road conditions.

Chair of the bench Dr Rachel Jones said she was a "bit perplexed" that Jones had gone back to driving; after saying she herself had been in a road accident.

However, Jones said that the doctors at the hospital in Stoke said he was ok to drive, magistrates heard.

Dr Jones said: "Mr Jones, you are very lucky to have an excellent reference from your employer."

Jones was not disqualified and was instead given six penalty points on his licence.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £525, including a £400 fine.