“Frustrated” driver denies driving into cyclist during Norwich event

A man has appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court accused of driving into a cyclist who was taking part in the Norwich Cycle Swarm event last year. Charles Emery, 62, denies driving without due care and attention, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

The incident took place on Calthorpe Street in Ingham at around 10am on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4. Cyclists Matthew Waterman and Simon Bransby suffered cuts and bruises and were unable to finish the event, while a third cyclist was able to continue.

At the time, Waterman told the Eastern Daily Press: “I was with a group of seven cyclists and we could see the car driving towards us. We signalled for it to slow down but it didn’t do so and it caught me on the side and knocked me and the other two cyclists down. I looked out for the car behind me but it just drove away.”

In court, he described a “particularly frustrated” driver who was revving his engine.

“He came out of there quite quickly. Before I knew it I was on the ground. I had a split second to react. I didn’t have much chance and ended up on the floor. It just happened so quickly. Before I knew it I was on the floor. I heard revving and he hit me and was on the floor before I knew it.”

Waterman’s £600 bike was deemed not repairable and has since been replaced by the insurance company. Waterman says the damage was sustained when he was hit by the car, but Catherine Bradshaw, defending, suggested it could have come from other riders falling on him.

Bradshaw also said that as part of a group of cyclists riding together, Waterman could have fallen after being clipped by another rider. Waterman replied: “Absolutely not.”

The trial continues.

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