Motorist ordered to pay cyclist he injured in road rage attack £2,000

A motorist has been ordered to pay £2,000 to a cyclist he put in hospital after the rider allegedly 'cut in front of him'.

Scott Vandermotten, 31, claimed he 'saw red' when he attacked the cyclist who was left with a badly injured arm in the road rage attack. 

Vandermotten assaulted Michael Newlands by pushing him off his bike, causing him to fall down the side of a cycle path, injuring his arm severely, the Daily Record reports.

A trial at Paisley Sheriff Court heard Vandermotten, of Bishopton, claimed Mr Newlands had cut in front of him as he waited in traffic at Napier Street, in Johnstone, on March 3, last year. 

He also insisted Mr Newlands had struck his car’s bonnet, causing damage, before cycling away.

Vandermotten parked at a Morrisons supermarket car park and went on to the cycle path where he shouted at and attacked Mr Newlands, by pushing him from his bike, causing him to fall and injure his wrist and arm.

Vandermotten also tried to claim the victim had his arm raised and was about to punch him.

He appeared before Sheriff Eoin McGinty for sentencing after he was convicted of assaulting Mr Newlands.

The court heard he spent several days in hospital and still doesn’t have the proper use of his arm.

Sheriff McGinty had called for background reports in preparation for sentencing Vandermotten, who runs an engineering business with other members of his family.

His defence agent said: “His position remains the same as when he gave evidence during the trial.

“Although he accepts he did push him, causing him injury, he cannot believe what happened caused it.”

The lawyer highlighted that Vandermotten also waited with Mr Newlands until an ambulance arrived, following the encounter on the cycle path.

He urged the court to spare Vandermotten, a dad-of-two, custody given his lack of convictions for violence and his previous good character.

He added: “He recognises the impact his actions have had on the victim.

“He waited for the authorities to arrive and later apologised to Mr Newlands at the side of the road.

“However, he realises he has to be punished and understands this is a serious offence.”

Sheriff McGinty told him: “I don’t believe the complainer damaged your car or made an attempt to punch you on the cycle path.

“But I have come to the conclusion this was out of character for you.

“You simply saw red.

“This was a very serious offence and I could sentence you to custody, but I will pull back from imposing custody.”

He ordered Vandermotten to be fitted with an electronic tag for four months, requiring him to remain indoors between 7pm and 7am.

He also ordered him to perform 240 hours of unpaid work and placed him under supervision for 18 months.

He also has to pay Mr Newlands £2,000 in compensation.