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79-year-old driver sentenced after dangerous overtake injures cyclist in Northumberland
Overview
John Rice, a 79-year-old retired accountant from near Stannington, Northumberland, has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Rushing home from a tennis game in April 2023, Rice attempted an impatient and poorly timed overtake of a cyclist on a single-track lane, clipping him and causing a broken collarbone. The victim reported suffering constant pain, sleep issues, and reduced work capability, while Rice received a two-year driving ban and was ordered to pay £4,830 in court costs.
Key points
- John Rice, 79, was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after clipping a cyclist on a single-track lane in Northumberland in April 2023.
- The judge stated Rice made an impatient and poorly timed decision to overtake while rushing home from a tennis game.
- The cyclist suffered a broken collarbone, underwent surgery, and reported being left in constant pain with ongoing physical and mental scars.
- Rice was sentenced to a one-year prison term suspended for 18 months, handed a two-year driving ban, and ordered to pay £4,830 in court costs.