Motorist in court after allegedly driving at cyclist in stolen bike dispute

A motorist has appeared in court after allegedly driving his car at a cyclist in North Shields earlier this week, causing him to sustain serious facial injuries reportedly following a dispute over a bike that was claimed to have been stolen.

Kyle Larmouth, aged 22, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday on charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which he denies, and failure to stop, which he admits.

According to Chroniclelive.co.uk, cyclist Wesley McKenna was left with multiple fractures to his face, lost teeth and sustained a broken ankle in the incident which happened at around 4pm on Norham Road on Monday.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for surgery on his injuries.

Prosecuting counsel Justin Gibson, who said the incident arose because of the alleged theft of a bicycle, requested that the case should be sent to crown court because of its severity.

“The Crown would say the vehicle went on to a footpath,” he explained. “That would make it not suitable for this court. On top of that, you have the level of injury caused, which is at the level of a grievous bodily harm charge.

“The case is clearly unsuitable to be dealt with in this court. The Crown would say he’s driven the vehicle directly at the injured party.

“The vehicle is a Nissan Navara, a large pick-up, which could have easily have killed someone on impact.”

Amir Assadi, on behalf of the defendant, said he his client had admitted hitting Mr McKenna but insists it was an accident.

He added: “I can’t disagree about where the case should be tried.”

Magistrates concurred that the case should be heard at Newcastle Crown Court where Larmouth, who has been released on conditional bail, is due to appear on 23 September.

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