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Cyclist who left pensioner with life-threatening injuries after crash convicted under Victorian law

A cyclist who left a pensioner with life-threatening injuries in crash is convicted under Victorian law as campaigners urge government to bring in legislation against dangerous riders. -  Geoff Pugh/A cyclist who left a pensioner with life-threatening injuries in crash is convicted under Victorian law as campaigners urge government to bring in legislation against dangerous riders.

A cyclist who left a pensioner with life-threatening injuries in crash was convicted under a Victorian law, prompting campaigners to urge the government to bring in new legislation against dangerous riders.

The cyclist who was pedaling at speed when he collided with a 70-year-old as she crossed a road in Bedminster, Bristol, was jailed him for 16 months on Thursday under legislation which dates back to 1861.

Connor Coltman, 27, who was due to face a four-day trial in October, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving.

After colliding with Angela Horseman, Coltman stopped momentarily before fleeing the scene over fears he had killed her and was later found wearing different clothes on a train track.

Mrs Horseman was taken to Southmead Hospital where she was found to have a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull and a punctured lung.

She underwent three operations to her brain and is likely to have long-term repercussions, the court heard.

Her son Paul made a statement in court saying his mum, a Bristol City Council employee of 35 years, was an independent woman whose world had been turned upside down.

Judge William Hart told Coltman: "Mrs Horseman faced the most serious of injuries, yet you who caused it face a sentence, if convicted after trial, which could only merit two years.

"Where death is caused there could be a manslaughter charge. This is not so here.

"There was inflicting grievous bodily harm as an alternative charge but the crown has not pursued that."

The widower of Kim Briggs, who was killed by a cyclist in February 2016, has campaigned for the introduction of laws of causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless cycling in line with the Road Traffic Act.

Charlie Alliston, who was responsible for the incident, was convicted under the 150-year-old offence in 2017.

Matthew Briggs said: “I was upset and deeply concerned to hear about this case and wish to send Mrs Horseman my very best wishes for a full recovery.

“The Judge’s comments regarding the charging and sentencing difficulties in this case highlight, once again the need for a thorough overhaul of cycling legislation.

“Whilst I welcome the work towards new legislation made by the DfT under Jesse Norman, it is now clear that swifter progress needs to be made and I look forward to meeting the new Transport Minister, Mr Michael Ellis to move this now increasingly urgent matter along”