Driver on phone as she hit cyclist is spared prison
A DRIVER who knocked a cyclist over while on her mobile phone has been spared jail.
Samantha Malik, 44, of Crink Lane, Southwell, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court last week and admitted crashing into the cyclist after using her mobile phone while driving.
She pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
The cyclist, who is in his 80s, sustained serious injuries and spent three weeks in hospital after he was struck by Malik's Land Rover in the Ropewalk, Southwell, on June 21 last year.
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Malik was given a nine-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, and has been banned from driving for 18 months.
Sgt Brendon Hunt, based at Southwell police station, said: "The dangers of using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle is evident in this case.
"The cyclist was extremely lucky to survive and has not had the courage to get back on his bike since the collision.
"Unfortunately we still see people continuing to make calls while driving.
"They are not paying full attention to the road and are putting themselves, pedestrians, other drivers and like this case, cyclists, in extreme danger.
"This is an example of how taking or making a call is simply not worth the risk."
Comments
by Ann, Nottinghamshire
Monday, April 18 2011, 11:01PM
“All of these comments have been made without knowing the cyclist or driver's personal circumstances.
the sentence may be unjust on both sides.
sexist comments have been made and comments regarding where people live. does it really make a difference?”
by jay, Gedling
Saturday, April 16 2011, 6:43PM
“mouith2010 - Brilliant comments. totally agree.”
by mouth2010, CU80onmylicense,
Friday, April 15 2011, 11:01PM
“On what basis is 80 too old to be riding a bike on the roads? Legally he would be able to drive providing he passes a medical every year. If an 80-year old man is able, fit and well enough to ride a bike then so be it. I know a few people in their late 70's and early 80's, and I can assure you that they are probably a lot healthier than more than half the people who have commented in the story so far.
Remember this - at 11 years old children are EXPECTED to ride on the public highway, with little or no training and lets face it, no road sense. I bet the old guy has a lot more of that than your teenage sons/daughters. The motorist seems to have been the cause of the accident here and not an 80-year old cyclist. If the 80-year old cyclist is too old to ride a bike, then thats a bit like saying because you own a mobile phone you can't drive a car.
As for a cyclist (in general) being able to ride on the public highway with no formal training, insurance, tax paid, roadworthiness certification of his 'vehicle' or legal requirement for safety equipment, then thats a discussion for another day.”
by Chelsea Tractor Disliker, Nottingham
Friday, April 15 2011, 9:59PM
“I wonder if this person will be using a bike to get around for the next 18 months ?”
by taylos, Ollerton Red
Friday, April 15 2011, 9:54PM
“No, 80 is not too old to be riding a bike, why is he getting the blame here, The daft cow from southwell is to blame and should be locked up.”
by Jimmy Dee, Notts
Friday, April 15 2011, 8:48PM
“Should have been sent to prison its quite simple, maybe if she had killed a child in a pushchair instead of an old man being knocked off his cycle, judges have no perspective of real life.”
by Tony, Bramcote
Friday, April 15 2011, 5:59PM
“I have hands free ie bluetooth and ear mike, but there is still a danger as if its an involved call , business ect, your concentration is still affected.
Best to pull over if you can or answere later , we all managed 10-15 years ago to live without them.”
by David, Nottingham
Friday, April 15 2011, 4:09PM
“Wrong message,wrong judge, wrong sentence.
Its time that the right justice was served for the seriousness of the crime.
Drivers know its against the law to use a mobile whilst driving.
There are so many hands free devices and affordable ones today so there is no excuse.
Me I have a device called a parrot and its brilliant, cheaper than a hefty fine and points on your license.
Better than a prison sentence if you kill some one.
Saves life's,saves money”
by Cheshire Cat, wOnderland
Friday, April 15 2011, 4:08PM
“At that age he shouldn`t be out cycling on public roads. Accident waiting to happen.”
by Marcus Down, at school
Friday, April 15 2011, 1:05PM
“This sends out the wrong message, she should have served the Gaol sentence.
This man could have been killed!”