A police officer manning a vehicle checkpoint was knocked down by an 80-year-old driver wearing the wrong glasses.

PC Gary Pearson suffered a broken leg, broken ribs and a head wound. He was off work for more than four months.

At Crawley Magistrates Court yesterday, pensioner Kenneth Reed, a Second World War veteran with a Burma Star of Boswell Road, Tilgate, Crawley, pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving with defective eyesight.

Antoinette Clark, prosecuting, said PC Pearson was carrying out road safety checks with fellow officers in Haslett Avenue, Three Bridges, last October.

Reed was driving behind a BMW, which was flagged down and directed into a lay-by.

Reed ignored the checkpoint and carried straight on at about 30mph, knocking down the officer and continuing for a further 30 yards.

Reed said he had been unaware of the policeman in the road.

Paul Hedley-Saunders, defending, said: "It was dark and the glare of street light and oncoming traffic made matters worse.

"Mr Reed did not realise the glasses he wore were not correct for driving. He has driven for 50 years and has a clean licence but no longer wishes to drive.

"He is extremely distressed and sorry for the injuries caused to the officer."

Presiding Magistrate Mary Fry told Reed: "We have looked very seriously at the risk you constitute to the public but we have taken into account your cooperation with the police and your genuine remorse."

She said any compensation due to PC Pearson as a result of the accident would be a civil matter involving Reed's insurance company.

Reed was disqualified for two years and told he must retake a test before he can drive again. He was also fined £50 with £75 costs.

After the case, Mr Reed said he was mortified at the injuries he caused to PC Pearson but was adamant it could have happened to anyone.

He said: "To be honest, I was pretty shaken up and I have taken my son's advice and decided to give up driving."

Mr Reed served in the Burma campaign with 45 squadron of the RAF, flying Mosquito Bombers in support of Commando troops in the jungle.

He proudly wore his Burma Star and his British Legion blazer to court.