A hit and run driver from Brighton has been banned from driving for a year, given an overnight curfew for eight weeks and ordered to wear an electronic tag.
John White, 38, drove into a cyclist on a roundabout in Hollingbury shortly after leaving Asda, Brighton magistrates were told this morning (Tuesday 6 August).
Police were passing by almost immediately afterwards, took statements and found the front number plate from White’s white Renault Clio.
Officers went to his home in Ryelands Drive, in Moulsecoomb, where White said that he had been at home all day and no one else had access to his car.
His front number plate was missing and his car’s paintwork was scuffed, matching descriptions of the crash.
Police also found security camera footage that showed White’s car leave Asda moments before the crash.
The pictures showed that his front number plate was intact.
White denied three charges when he appeared before the bench at Brighton Magistrates’ Court last month.
But he was convicted of driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report it.
Martina Sherlock, prosecuting, told the court today that the cyclist, Alexander Polyanskikh, was riding from Coldean Lane across the roundabout towards Carden Avenue when White pulled out of Crowhurst Road and drove into him.
Mr Polyanskikh, a computer software expert, was left with cuts, bruises and soft tissue damage and had to take time off work.
White’s solicitor Kelly Thomas told the court: “There was no evidence of aggressive driving.”
She said that White suffered from agoraphobia and emotionally unstable personality disorder and lived off benefits because he was unable to work.
He had been fine until eight years ago when he was stabbed. Mrs Thomas said: “Since that time Mr White has suffered from these issues.
“He finds it extremely difficult to get out and about. He is usually accompanied by his sister.
“He has not driven since this incident. He has sold his car.
the driver placed a self imposed ban on himself yet his brief said a ban would affect his daily life
“He has not driven since this incident. He has sold his car.
“He has significant disabilities. A ban will affect his everyday life. Mr White has very limited means.”
It’s a report of what the solicitor said rather than a commentary on it.