'Smirking' motorist who deliberately drove into cyclist jailed for two years (+ video)

A motorist from North Yorkshire has been jailed for two years and banned from driving for three years after he deliberately drove into a cyclist. The road rage incident, which was caught on film by the cyclist, apparently came about because the cyclist shook his head at a dangerous manoeuvre.

The Press Association reports that on June 26, 2018, 33-year-old William Status Heslop turned right into Barlby Road, Selby, in front of a 55-year-old cyclist travelling in the opposite direction.

The cyclist turned left into the same road and shook at his head at the way Heslop was driving.

Shortly afterwards, Heslop braked sharply in front of the cyclist and turned his wheels towards him as he passed the vehicle on the inside.

A few seconds later Heslop deliberately drove into the cyclist.

Heslop left the scene, leaving the cyclist in the road. A witness who came to aid the cyclist said that Heslop had been “smirking” as he drove away.

“He (the cyclist) is made of stern stuff,” said Michael Bosomworth, prosecuting. “He continued on his journey to York, but only on arrival at his place of work he realised he was breathless and in some pain.”

At York Hospital casualty, the cyclist discovered he had suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Investigating officer, PC Richard Stagg from Selby police, said: “It’s not quite clear what Heslop hoped to achieve by his intimidating and ultimately dangerous behaviour towards the cyclist. But I hope this case sends a clear message to motorists who think they can get away with such aggressive behaviour towards other road users.

“We urge everyone to share the road and be courteous to each other otherwise you could end up in prison with a criminal record that will have a long-term, knock-on effect on other aspects of your life.”

Heslop, a professional HGV driver, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. As well as the jail sentence and driving ban, he will be obliged to take an extended driving test before returning to the road.