Constable drove into cycling race marshal, court hears

Thursday 20 August 2020

A senior politician is standing trial in Magistrate's Court today, accused of driving at a low speed into the legs of a cycling race marshal.

St. John Constable Chris Taylor denies driving his red Ford Fiesta dangerously on La Rue du Bechet es Cats in Trinity on 2 June 2019.

His trial was originally due to take place on 17 April, but was delayed as the result of the island going into lockdown to curb the spread of covid-19.

He appeared in Magistrate's Court before Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz this morning.

Legal Adviser Paul Lee said the prosecution's case was that Mr Taylor had deliberately driven at low speed into the legs of an off-duty constable officer, who was marshalling a cycle race in Trinity on the morning of 2 June 2019.

Pictured: The alleged offence took place during a local cycling club's race.

The officer was on La Rue du Bechet es Cats, which had been closed northbound following the approval of the Parish of Trinity, during a local cycling club's race. 

The officer, who claims Mr Taylor struck his legs with the front of his car, said the St. John Constable "chose to ignore" the diversion.

He said Mr Taylor was "shouting and angry" and continued his "aggressive behaviour" after the incident, telling the officer he had no right to stop him.

Mr Taylor was then reported to have driven away from the scene. 

Mr Taylor, however, says that he had simply stopped at the 'police road closed' sign to find out what was going on. 

He claims the steward then started shouting and striking his car's bonnet, all while being "verbally abusive". Mr Taylor says he felt threatened and left. 

Mr Taylor is being represented by Advocate Adam Harrison.

His trial continues this morning, and is due to conclude later today.

Pictured top: Chris Taylor leaving the Magistrate's Court on an earlier occasion.