Driver fined after clash with cyclist

A clash between a motorist and a cyclist ended up in Banbridge Magistriate's Court last week.
Judge's court wig and hammer or gavelJudge's court wig and hammer or gavel
Judge's court wig and hammer or gavel

As he was trying to pass a slow moving cyclist a 60-year-old man went so close he nearly forced the rider off the bike.

Malcolm Donnelly, Laurel Mews, Dromore, was fined £250 last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court for driving without due care and attention.

He was also given six points and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that on August 25 last year the injured party reported to police that as he was cycling on the Lenaderg Road, Banbridge, a vehicle came up close to him.

He claimed that as the vehicle overtook him, nearly forcing him off the bike.

He then confronted the driver of the vehicle.

Donnelly admitted driving close to the cyclist but claimed he was under pressure because he was holding up the traffic in a rush hour. The cyclist had been going very slowly.

A solicitor representing Donnelly said that his client was only travelling at about five miles per hour in his car.

His son was in the car with him.

He added that the defendant had a Republic of Ireland licence and had no points.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said the passenger seemed to have been aggressive to the cyclists.

The solicitor said Donnelly was embarrassed for his son and dismayed at his behaviour.

Judge Copeland told the defendant that he had come dangerously close to this cyclist and there could have been a serious outcome if there had been a collision.

Cyclists are entitled to be respected on the road,” he added.