Article written by Addiscombe Rider and SLH Triathlete Ed Thruston
Good evening everyone.
As you may or may not know fellow Addiscombe CC club rider Kate Hewett was knocked off her bike whilst on a club run back in June 2009. Whilst cycling along the A23 back into Coulsdon, Kate was overtaken by a car who then suddenly turned left in Hollymeoak Road knocking Kate to the ground. The driver then stopped the car, took a look out of the window, and drove off leaving Kate for dead lying in the middle of the road. Luckily for Kate a passing postman witnessed the whole event and between them managed to write down the vehicle's licence plate. After months of waiting the case finally came to trial today.
Kate attended Bexley Heath Magistrates Court and gave evidence against a man charged with 3 offences; (1) Driving without due care and attention; (2) Failing to stop at the scene of an accident; and (3) Failing to report ad accident.
After having taken the stand for over an hour and faced cross examination from one of the most poisonous, lying scumbag defence barrister's I have ever seen, Kate gave an accurate and compelling account of the hit and run. After further evidence from the independent witness (Mr Postman) the defence had their turn. It was a pathetic account of lies, inconsistency and b*llshit.
They repeatedly attempted to claim that Kate was riding on the pavement and had run a series of red lights, eventually causing herself to crash and in a moment of embarrassment, sought to blame the driver in question.
THE RESULT: After a 4-hour trial the Magistrates returned to give their verdict. GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES.
The defendant, Mr Barry Dolling was found guilty on all charges, given 7 Points on his driving licence and ordered to pay £500 costs to the court.
I thought this was worth mentioning to you all given the scale and potential implications this may have for any other riders who have faced similar circumstances in suffering abuse from other road users. Today certainly proved to Kate and I that, no matter the circumstances, it is worth pressing for justice.
We look forward to seeing you all on the next Saturday club run.
Ed and Kate.