A DANGEROUS driver caused serious injuries to another person in a head-on crash while overtaking in Herefordshire.

Paul Johnstone admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Johnstone had been travelling on the B4362 at Bircher, near Leominster, at around 7am on January 14 when he decided to overtake two small lorries, prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said.

"It was dark and the decision was not right for the time of day or the road," Mr Reaz said.

"During the overtake, he struck the victim head-on in the opposite lane. This is dangerous driving that has caused serious injury."

The court heard the victim had been taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with extensive injuries including a fractured arm which was plated and pinned by doctors, trauma to his elbow and ribs, and contusions. His treatment is ongoing.

"This matter falls outside of your powers and should be sentenced by the crown court," Mr Reaz told magistrates.

James Findon, for Johnstone, said the 56-year-old was incredibly sorry and remorseful.

"He saw the headlights of the oncoming car as he was overtaking and decided to pull into the hedge to avoid it, but the oncoming vehicle made the same decision and they crashed."

Johnstone, of Lingen, Bucknell, was handed an interim driving ban and committed to Worcester Crown Court for sentencing on October 1.