South Yorkshire motorist fined for driving too close to cyclist

Sheffield Crown Court heard on Apri 27 how John Copley, aged 48, of Main Street, South Hiendley, Barnsley, had been driving a BMW along Middle Lane, at Thorpe, Doncaster, when he was involved in an accident with a cyclist.

Mr Brooks, prosecuting, said there was a road traffic accident between the car and a bicycle after the defendant had approached the cyclist within an arm’s length of the complainant who saw the vehicle coming down the lane at some speed.

Normally cars slow down due to the narrowness of the road, according to Mr Brooks, and the complainant gestured to show his annoyance.

The court heard that the complainant claimed he had felt an impact to his arm and he fell from his bicycle and suffered a fractured elbow and a cut to his head.

Copley pleaded guilty to careless driving after the incident on September 24, 2018, on the basis that he drove too close to the cyclist.

Matthew Harding, defending, said the defendant accepts as he drove past he was too close to the cyclist.

The court heard Copley is an HGV driver but he is currently out of work because his employers are struggling economically.

Mr Harding added if Copley were to be punished with six penalty points on his licence it may become difficult or impossible for him to secure work.

Judge Rachael Harrison fined Copley £120 and imposed five penalty points on his driving licence.