A driver who overtook a car at traffic lights showing green, causing a crash, believed the vehicle had broken down.

Georgij Semencenko, 46, was involved in the afternoon rush-hour crash at the junction of Skellingthorpe Road and Tritton Road in Lincoln.

Edward Johnson, prosecuting at Lincoln Magistrates' Court, said: "The complainant was driving her car and she was at the traffic lights heading into Lincoln.

"She was in the lane to go straight ahead.

"The car driven by the defendant overtook her on the outside and a collision occurred.

"She spoke to him and told him about the light sequence.

"She describes him as becoming irate and he could not understand where he had gone wrong.

"He thought he could execute a left turn."

The court heard Semencenko told police he was travelling at 20mph and decided to overtake the car in front after it delayed for a few seconds.

Semencenko, of Grafton Street, Lincoln, admitted driving without due care and attention on July 15.

Representing himself, he said it was a hot day and he was concerned for the welfare of one of his passengers, a pregnant woman.

"We came up to the junction and there was this car in front," he said.

"When it came to the second green light I thought the car was broken down. I'm very sorry for what happened."

Semencenko was given five points and fined £185 plus a £15 victim surcharge and £43 costs.