A Bracknell man caused a head-on collision with an oncoming motorist after overtaking a car off the M4.

David Bartakovic, of The Oaks, mistook the B3270 off Whitley Wood Lane for a dual carriageway after coming off a motorway slip road on the evening of December 12, 2020.

Reading Crown Court heard how the passenger in the oncoming vehicle had to receive emergency treatment on the side of the road after suffering two fractured ribs.

Bartakovic, 25, was spared jail after a judge heard of his ‘genuine remorse’ for the victim of his dangerous driving.

The Bracknell man was unable to avoid a head-on crash with the vehicle on the other side of the road, the court heard, injuring the driver and his daughter in the passenger seat.

His daughter was more greatly affected by the incident, having to have her clothing cut off for immediate roadside treatment despite the freezing temperatures.

She was taken to hospital where it was determined she suffered two fractured ribs and a ruptured spleen.

The young woman spent four days in hospital but still sometimes suffers ‘unbearable pain’ 18 months on.

Speaking via prosecutor Matthew Knight, she said she has had PTSD and sleepless nights since the incident.

John Black QC, defending, said Bartakovic made a “genuine mistake” in assuming the road was a dual-carriageway.

He added: “The defendant is quite distraught about the injuries suffered by the young woman.”

The barrister said Bartakovic was not drunk or speeding, he had insurance and a licence, and he did not have previous driving convictions.

“He has learned a lesson and therefore he is not a risk to the public”, Mr Knight concluded.

His Honour Judge Burgess QC, sentencing, said the victim will likely suffer some “permanent” effects from the crash.

However, the judge said he was mindful Bartakovic had admitted full responsibility for the incident, and that the defendant was “genuinely remorseful and regretful.”

The 25-year-old was sentenced to eight months in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, suspended for 12 months.

He will have to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and he was banned from driving for two years.

Bartakovic was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 20.