Driver 'ran down cyclist in road rage clash' in Dudley
A van driver deliberately ran down a cyclist in revenge in a road rage clash between the pair, it has been alleged.
Kalvinder Bhamra was floored twice by punches and a kick without retaliating when 25-year-old John Carter took exception to the 64-year-old pulling out in front of him, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
The van was stationary and blocking part of the carriageway while waiting for an opportunity to turn right from Baptist End Road, Netherton onto Halesowen Road – which the cyclist was travelling down on August 1 last year.
Mr Nigel Stelling, prosecuting, told the jury: “What Mr Carter had done may not reflect well on him and may provide an explanation for what the defendant did next. But it certainly was not justification for what happened.”
Mr Carter got on his bike and continued his journey to work but Mr Bhamra gave chase, it was claimed.
The prosecutor maintained: “The defendant’s glasses were knocked off and broken but he reversed the van, changed direction and accelerated up the road in pursuit of Mr Carter and, sadly, caught him up.
He turned harshly to his left knocking Mr Carter off his bike causing a number of injuries including a broken wrist that required surgery.
“Mr Bhamra was no doubt very angry at what had just happened but the rights and wrongs of that are a side issue and cannot justify what he did. Independent witnesses have said it was deliberate. He did it in revenge.”
The defendant denies intentionally crashing into the cyclist. He claimed he wanted to speak further to Mr Carter, intended to draw up alongside him but, not wearing his glasses and still suffering from shock, misjudged the manoeuvre.
Mr Stelling concluded: “That makes no sense at all.”
Bhamra from Chichester Avenue, Netherton, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The case continues.
