A motorcyclist is facing the prospect of losing part of his leg more than a year after an accident near the Medway Tunnel.

Rider Stephen Piper was “catapulted” over a barrier after his machine was hit by a vehicle which had changed lanes without signalling.

Prosecutor Katie Williams told Maidstone Crown Court how Narindar Singh's Ford Ranger entered the same lane “suddenly” without indicating.

She said: “The Ford collided with Mr Piper's motorbike and the force threw him from the bike, away from the road and down an embankment. It was a glancing blow.

“It is possible he hit things on the way down.”

The accident was on October 26, 2022 as Mr Piper was approaching a roundabout on the A289 near the entrance to Medway City Estate.

The lane was closed and Mr Piper airlifted to London’s King’s College Hospital following efforts involving rescuing him from the bottom of the embankment.

He suffered a fracture to his left lower leg which was broken in three places and part of the bone was grafted back in.

He also broke three ribs and suffered a large cut to his chest, the court heard.

She added that Singh – the boss of a building firm – wasn't arrested until this January and initially denied being at fault, claiming the motorcyclist had been speeding.

But in November he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving.

The prosecutor added: “The harm has been catastrophic, causing irreversible injuries. He is unable to shower or bathe. He can’t swim or ride a bike or drive.”

In a victim impact statement, HGV driver Mr Piper wrote that doctors were still considering an amputation as treatment for his appalling injuries.

“I am unable to walk more than a few steps without getting out of breath or being in pain. I can no longer ride a bike which was my passion. I just want my life back.”

Singh, of Chorister Crescent, Hoo, was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned from driving for two years.

The married businessman was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £670 court costs.

Judge Julian Smith told him: “You cut across from the right-hand lane, which was clogged with traffic, to the inside lane and at some speed. You didn't indicate when you did it.”

The court also heard how Mr Piper had yet to receive compensation from Singh’s insurers due to ongoing legal issues.