A man accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when a large sheet of glass sheared off and smashed into another car said he thought it had been 'safe and secure'.
Norwich Crown Court has heard that a woman and her daughter suffered life-changing injuries when part of a large sheet of glass smashed into the windscreen of their Rover 75 on the Acle Straight.
The glass sheared off in windy conditions when it was being transported by Tyrone Parish, a glazier and locksmith for Norwich Glass.
Andrea Lock, prosecuting, has the told the court the pane was 14ft by 7ft and was too big for the external carrying frame - even blocking the driver's door.
She said it was an 'unsuitable' vehicle for a load that size.
Ms Lock said It would have been obvious to any competent and careful driver that it was dangerous.'
Giving evidence Parish, 29, of Ropes Walk, Blofield, told defence barrister Ian Bridge that he thought the glass was 'safe and secure'.
Mr Bridge put it to Parish that it had been alleged that by putting the glass on the van in the way it had been it created a situation which was 'obviously dangerous'.
Parish said: 'If it was obviously dangerous and it was going to happen I would never have taken that chance and there was four other people there as well that wouldn't let me take that chance.'
When asked if it had ever entered his mind that it might have fallen off, Parish said it did not as he thought it was 'safe and secure'.
Parish has denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving on May 19, 2015.
In a statement read to the jury driver Sandra Mayall said she had just picked up her daughter and they were heading out to do some shopping when the accident happened.
She said the glass had struck the front of her car and both she and her daughter were showered with glass.
In police interview, Parish said it did not cross his mind the wind might have caused the glass the break off but admitted he slowed his speed because of the conditions.
He said he had no formal instructions about loading the glass.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here