A retired church minister sends a biker flying from his vehicle.

Kenneth Cotty, 73, admitted knocking James Lambert unconscious by driving into his path.The pensioner was allowed to stay on the road after a court was told that he had been driving more than 40 years without incident.Cotty, of Lagside Cottage, Crieff, admitted driving carelessly on the A822 Muthill to Crieff road on March 21 this year and injuring Mr Lambert.Fiscal depute Stuart Richardson told Perth Sheriff Court: “This accident took place at 1.30pm. The motorcyclist was driving south on this stretch of road.”He suddenly noticed Mr Cotty ahead of him, pulling out from the side of the road in his car, apparently not having noticed the motorcycle.”Mr Lambert tried to take action to avoid a collision but could not. The result of the collision was that Mr Lambert was thrown from the motorcycle into a ditch at the side of the road and was initially unconscious.”Passing motorists stopped to help. He recovered consciousness and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. He was found to have a cut forehead and a broken bone in his hand.”Cotty said: “I honestly didn’t believe I had done anything wrong. Please convey my deepest apologies to all concerned in this sad case.”I have let myself down in my later years and I am deeply ashamed and sorry for all the inconvenience I have caused.”Sheriff Robert McCreadie told the former minister: “This was obviously a serious mis-judgment which could have had very serious consequences indeed.”He placed nine points on Cotty’s licence and fined him £300.