Cyclist fined after knocking woman unconscious

Sunday 27 August 2023

A cyclist who rode the wrong way down a street and hit a pedestrian, knocking her unconscious, has been fined.

Elliott Jude Kennedy (22) was riding down Beresford Street in St Helier at 01:15 on 25 June when the accident happened, but St. Helier Centenier Paul Huelin, prosecuting, told the Magistrate's Court: "He had no lights or headlamps at all."

Kennedy collided with the woman and she hit her head as she fell to the ground, rendering her unconscious. The court was shown a photograph of her head injury.

Mr Huelin said Kennedy also appeared to have been drinking as his speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet, but he was not breathalysed. Kennedy told police officers: "I know I was cycling the wrong way but I wasn’t cycling fast."

Advocate Mike Preston, defending, said: "He gave immediate co-operation to the police. He is very sorry for what happened."

He said that the victim had been "grossly intoxicated", but added: "Mr Kennedy does not seek to apportion blame. He takes full responsibility."

Kennedy has one previous conviction for a motoring offence when aged 19 and Advocate Preston added: "He vowed then that he would never be back in court, so he is deeply ashamed."

He was fined £250. Relief Magistrate Nunes Da Costa said the case showed the importance of riding a bike with due care and attention.

He allowed Kennedy to pay the fine at £30 per week.