A car hit a verge, smashed into a tree and ended up on its roof after being forced to swerve to avoid a head-on collision when a car overtook a lorry.

Steven Maxted, 32, was driving on the A1067 at Stibbard, when he overtook a goods vehicle, and failed to see a Vauxhall coming in the opposite direction, Norwich magistrates heard.

Neil Carr, prosecuting, said a collision occured, causing the Vauxhall to mount a nearside grass verge and collide with a tree before coming to rest on its roof. He said the Vauxhall was a write-off.

Maxted, of Valley Way, Fakenham, admitted by letter to driving without due care and attention. He said that he was 'very sorry' over the crash and said there was no excuse other than a lapse in concentration.

He said that he always did his best to try to help people.

He was fined £450, ordered to pay a £45 victim surcharge and £100 costs as well as eight points on his licence.