A cyclist who suffered devastating injuries in a collision has shared her relief after the driver responsible was sentenced.

Helen Webster was cycling along the A1067 Fakenham Road in April last year when she was hit by a swerving caravan attached to an overtaking car at Lenwade.

Eastern Daily Press: Helen Webster, from Dereham, was left with two broken ribs, a broken collarbone, spinal fracture and busted lip after a collision on the A1067 Fakenham RoadHelen Webster, from Dereham, was left with two broken ribs, a broken collarbone, spinal fracture and busted lip after a collision on the A1067 Fakenham Road (Image: Helen Webster)

The 45-year-old, who lives in Dereham, was hospitalised and left with two broken ribs, a broken collarbone, spinal fracture and busted lip.

Facing a long road to recovery, the ordeal was worsened when the perpetrator "got away with it" as police opted not to take any further action in August.

But the case was subsequently reopened for a further review, resulting in Simon Bond, from Outwell, being summonsed to court.

And, on January 6, the 39-year-old was sentenced at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court for driving without due care and attention, having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Eastern Daily Press: Motorists rushed to the aid of Helen Webster after her accident on the A1067 Fakenham Road at LenwadeMotorists rushed to the aid of Helen Webster after her accident on the A1067 Fakenham Road at Lenwade (Image: Supplied)

He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Reacting to the outcome, Mrs Webster said: "This was exactly what we wanted. The judge said if he is caught driving, there would be a custodial sentence.

"A part of me felt a bit sorry for him, but I have got children and he didn't care about them at the time of the crash.

"I am happy with the result and just glad it is all over."

Eastern Daily Press: An X-ray showing Dereham woman Helen Webster's broken collarboneAn X-ray showing Dereham woman Helen Webster's broken collarbone (Image: Helen Webster)

It took Mrs Webster several months to recover both physically and mentally from her accident, but she has received exemplary care from a team of experts at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).

Her determination to carry on cycling has also eased the process.

"To be fair, I know I got off lightly," added Mrs Webster, who had been training for a 980-mile ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.

"I refuse to let this experience stop me from cycling. It is uncomfortable and I have to be wary of how I do things, but there are some amazing people who just want to help you.

Eastern Daily Press: Helen Webster, from Dereham, was training for a 980-mile charity cycle at the time of her accidentHelen Webster, from Dereham, was training for a 980-mile charity cycle at the time of her accident (Image: Webster family)

"The support network out there is incredible. You really find out who your friends are and who you can trust when you go through something like this."

In addition to receiving a driving ban, Bond, of Langhorns Lane, was fined £675 and ordered to pay costs of £150.