The charge of manslaughter, for which a verdict has been delivered, against cyclist Charlie Alliston was a legal first. He hit Kim Briggs on his bike after she stepped into the road. And now that the verdict is in, there is considerable public debate.
Cyclist Charlie Alliston verdict sparks public debate
Cyclist Charlie Alliston has been convicted of causing bodily harm to Kim Briggs who he hit while riding his bike. But he has been cleared of manslaughter by verdict of a jury.
The case involving cyclist Alliston (20) and Ms Briggs (44) has generated huge public debate in the UK.
Many members of the public have suggested if all motorists involved in fatal collisions were charged with manslaughter the courts and jails would not be able to cope.
And some have pointed out that Ms Briggs stepped into the road when Alliston had a green light.
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However, others commenting have urged the charge of manslaughter to be pursued more often in cases of fatal crashes.
And some have pointed out Alliston was breaking the law in riding a bike with no brakes.
Alliston pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey to causing bodily harm by “wanton and furious driving”. And he also pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of the mother of two.
He will be sentenced next month. After the verdict was delivered at the Old Bailey in London this afternoon, Judge Wendy Thomas said Alliston may face a custodial sentence.
The former cycle courier was riding a carbon fibre track bike with no brakes when the collision occurred two years ago.
His trial, at the Old Bailey in London, was told the track bike he was on was illegal on the road unless modified as it had no brakes.
Jurors at the trial were also told the bike was a carbon fibre model track machine similar to those used by Team GB track stars.
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The dead woman (above), a mother of two and HR consultant, was crossing Old Street, east London, on February 12th, 2016, when fatally injured.
Alliston was riding down the street and shouted at Ms Briggs to get out of his way.
However, he said she froze in his path. The pair collided and their heads banged off each other.
Ms Briggs suffered catastrophic head injuries and died in hospital a week later.
Alliston’s trial, which began last week, was told the collision generated media coverage at the time.
And when Alliston saw an article he took to the internet to post messages about the incident.
He left a comment on a news article claiming Ms Briggs ignored him when he shouted at her to get out of the way.
“I feel bad due to the seriousness of her injuries but I can put my hands up and say this is not my fault,” he said.
He then posted other comments on a message board for fixed wheel enthusiasts.
Charlie Alliston said he warned Ms Briggs just before he hit her to “get the f*** outta my way”.
He said of the incident: “We collided pretty hard, our heads hit together. Hers went into the floor and ricocheted into mine.
“It is a pretty serious incident so I won’t bother saying oh she deserved it, it’s her fault. Yes it is her fault but no she did not deserve it.
“Hopefully, it is a lesson learned on her behalf, it shouldn’t have happened like it did but what more can I say.
“Everyone is quick to judge and help the so-called victim but not the other person in the situation, ie me.
“It all happened so fast and even at a slow speed there was nothing I could do. I just wish people would stop making judgments.
“It’s not my fault people either think they are invincible or have zero respect for cyclists.”
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