AN air traffic control project manager had been distracted by his mobile phone alarm going off when he went through a red light and crashed into another vehicle, Southampton Crown Court heard.

James Harris jumped the light in Stoneham Way and struck an Astra crossing his path to go under the Swaythling railway bridge.

Prosecutor Eleanor Fargin said the force of the impact caused the Astra to finish on its side and the driver Andrea Markham had to be freed by firefighters.

She told police she saw the other vehicle approaching but could remember nothing of the impact and woke up afterwards.

Harris, 32, of Kelsey Close, Fareham, admitted dangerous driving and received a six-month suspended sentence.

He was also banned for 18 months with an order to take a retest and must carry out 150 hours community service.

“You could have easily killed her and yourself,” said Judge Gary Burrell QC.

“If you had been reading a text message or perhaps worse sending one, you would have got immediate custody.”

Daniel Reilly, defending, said after the accident he was more concerned about the other driver than himself. “That is indicative of his attitude and approach.”

Said to be of previous good character, he was also ordered to pay £350 costs.