Teenager who lost his legs in crash will 'never forgive' driver

Adam Golebiewski, young man with both lower legs amputated, smiling and in a wheelchair in hospital.
Image caption,

Adam Golebiewski had a double amputation after the crash last year

  • Published

A teenager who lost his lower legs in a crash says he "will never forgive" the drink-driver at the wheel.

Young footballer Adam Golebiewski, 18, had been a passenger in Arran Paterson's car in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, in September last year.

Paterson, 19, admitted dangerous driving, being over the drink-drive limit and driving without insurance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Mr Golebiewski walked into court unaided on prosthetic legs following intensive rehabilitation. He said: "I want to try to enjoy life again and stay positive."

He told BBC News the case was something to get off his shoulders and that "life is not over".

"I will never forgive that man for what he has done to me. I am still the same, I just don't have legs any more," he said.

Arran Paterson arriving at court in a dark suit
Image caption,

Arran Paterson admitted dangerous driving while over the alcohol limit

"I'm trying to forget about him, forget about what's happened. It's hard to forget about it.

"I just have anger towards him. He's not just wrecked my life, but my family and friends as well."

Mr Golebiewski said he found having to wait for the sentencing frustrating but praised his friends and family for helping him through the past 11 months.

"Everyone has kept me positive to be honest, they have helped me through everything and they will continue to help me through everything, that's just who they are and what they do," he said.

Adam Golebiewski, smiling at camera outside court.
Image caption,

Adam Golebiewski said he maintained a positive attitude

The apprentice builder from Banff, was one of three passengers in the car that crashed in Macduff's Union Road in the early hours of Sunday 8 September.

The two others were also badly hurt.

Mr Golebiewski was taken to hospital where his legs were amputated below the knee.

The goalkeeper with junior side Deveronside faced three months of rehabilitation at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen and celebrated his 18th birthday in hospital.

He was able to walk again on crutches and said he was "thankful and grateful" be home with his family for Christmas.

In an interview with BBC Scotland News at the time he said: "It's been three months of pain, being trapped in hospital."

Adam Golebiewski arriving at court with family and friends.
Image caption,

Adam Golebiewski walked into Aberdeen Sheriff Court alongside family and friends.

He was was able to walk without crutches to attend the court hearing, alongside family and friends.

Paterson's defence solicitor Leonard Burkinshaw said his client was pleading guilty to the three charges.

He admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and at excessive speed, losing control and colliding with a wall.

Sheriff Graham Buchanan told Paterson he would defer sentence until next month for the preparation of background reports.

Bail was continued and he was disqualified from driving.

Media caption,

Adam Golebiewski is now adapting to life with his new prosthetic legs

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