Elderly driver faces jail after mowing down and assaulting 17-year-old cyclist
Michael Hanley knocked his victim off his bike with his 4x4 before punching him in the face
An elderly driver faces jail after he ran down a 17-year-old cyclist with his 4x4 before punching him in the face.
Michael Hanley, 69, from Greater Manchester, became enraged when the teenage victim legally filtered through traffic at temporary lights and stopped in front of the driver.
Hanley used his Jeep Cherokee to knock the boy off his £2,5000 mountain bike in the incident, which happened in Bury on October 15 last year, The Guardian newspaper reports.
When the temporary traffic lights turned green, Hanley tailgated the young rider while beeping his horn and flashing his lights before the victim was sent tumbling to the floor as he tried to turn onto a dirt track. Hanley then clipped the boy’s shin with the 4x4 as he tried to pass.
>>> New Channel 5 show ‘Cyclists: The scourge of our streets?’ sparks outrage
The attacker then got out of his car, saying “little s*** - you’ve done this” the court heard, before Hanley grabbed the teenager’s shirt and punched him in the face, then smashing his own wing mirror during the road rage incident.
Hanley was found guilty of dangerous driving and common assault after a trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The driver lied to police and had claimed the youngster had hit a pothole, the court heard, but he was contradicted by an eye-witness.
Hanley was granted bail and will return to court later this month to be sentenced.
Earlier this week, a BMW driver was jailed for 20 months after a horrific hit and run in London.
>>> Londoners record highest cycling volume since records began
Sean Fagan, 29, lost control of his car and swerved onto the wrong side of the road on Easter Sunday (April 21), hitting cyclist Josh Dey head on.
Medical student Mr Dey was left with brain injuries and a number of fractures as Fagan fled the scene of the crash, which happened in Swain’s Lane in London.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published