Man jailed for dangerous driving after hitting cyclist

Bradley Harris, of Ffordd Edwin, Northop, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 27-year-old had previously been convicted of dangerous driving after a trial at Mold Magistrates Court.

Phil Clemo, prosecuting, told the court that on April 25 last year, complainant Michael Edge was cycling on High Street in Northop.

He approached the defendant, who was travelling in the opposite direction in an Audi A3, expecting him to slow down - but he didn't.

Mr Edge moved into a layby to make space for the defendant to pass safely, and he "didn't think a lot" about it.

But the defendant "clearly did think a lot of it," Mr Clemo said.

He "felt deeply affronted by some perceived sleight" and reversed at speed, before making a hasty three point turn in a junction.

Mr Clemo said Harris then pursued the complainant down the road, winding his window down and telling him: "I'm going to knock you off. I'm going to kill you."

And "true to his word," Harris swerved his vehicle at Mr Edge, knocking the wheels out from under him and causing him to fall.

Bradley Harris. Image: North Wales Police

Harris drove away, leaving Mr Edge injured on the road.

As both of the complainant's feet were clipped to the pedals, he twisted both ankles, as well as receiving a gash on one arm, gravel rash, bruising and damage to his clothing - which was specialist cycling gear costing over £1,000.

The £10,500 bike, made of carbon fibre, was also damaged and was deemed by the owner to be too dangerous to ride.

When he was interviewed by the police, Harris told them it had been Edge who was abusive to him, and he followed in order to ask what his problem was.

He denied hitting him, describing it as a verbal exchange only.

Robin Boag, defending, said the actions of his client had been "borne out of a few moments' loss of control."

He added: "Is it something he has had difficulty accepting in himself, given that he doesn't in any way normally react in such a hot tempered way.

"In his own family, he had the tragedy of his father being killed in a collision."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You used your car as a weapon.

"It was a calculated, appalling piece of deliberate dangerous driving."

The Judge jailed Harris for 10 months and disqualified him from driving for 20 months.