A cyclist who left a woman with a fractured skull, and a blood clot to the brain, after crashing into her while cycling on a footpath has been given a six-month suspended jail sentence by a court in Derry.
Shane Coyle (26), from Kingsmere Gardens, Derry, appeared before Judge Neill Rafferty at Bishop Street Crown Court. The judge said it was the first time in his lengthy career he had dealt with a case of "furious driving".
Coyle, whose six-month sentence was suspended for two years, appeared before the judge by video link from HM Prison Maghaberry.
He was charged with “having the charge of a bicycle caused by wilful misconduct bodily harm to be done to” the female victim. The offence took place on Belt Road in Derry on August 14th, 2023.
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Coyle cycled into the woman while she was walking her dog on the pavement. The victim, who was knocked to the ground with force, suffered a blood clot on the brain was well as a fractured skull.
She was unconscious at the scene, with Coyle stopping and holding the woman's dog while a friend he was with called the emergency services. A passing motorist also stopped and moved the victim into the recovery position.
The court was told after Coyle stopped at the scene to render assistance, he then admitted he had hit the woman and also entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. He was also remoresful.
The judge likened the offence to a case of careless driving in a vehicle and though a six month sentence was imposed, it was suspended for two years.
However, Coyle has remained in prison as he is facing charges for unrelated alleged crimes, relating to drugs and possessing criminal property.
