Road rage driver who chased cyclist and then rammed him spared jail

A Renfrew motorist who left a cyclist with a broken pelvis after chasing him down and deliberately ramming him has been spared jail.

The Gazette reports that at around 1pm on February 17 last year Mark Grabham was riding along Cambell Street, Renfrew, on his way home, when he became embroiled in a road rage argument with 55-year-old James Carroll.

According to procurator fiscal depute Keri Marshall, “A silver Mercedes car, travelling at speed, came from behind [Grabham] and pulled in front of the witness, blocking his way.

“The witness pulled alongside the car and gesticulated to the driver, who was the accused, regarding the manner of his driving.

“The accused got out of the car and said to the complainer, ‘You were all over the road. Get off your bike and I’ll see you at the bottom of the street.’

“The witness was now frightened and continued along Campbell Street.”

Carroll twice deliberately pulled in front of Grabham. The second time the cyclist said he pushed Carroll’s wing mirror in before riding away, while Carroll claimed that he actually kicked it.

After this, Carroll chased Grabham and followed him into a cul-de-sac where he drove into the cyclist’s right-hand side, causing him to fall. Grabham suffered a broken pelvis.

Carroll flagged down police to tell them about the incident and was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of assault to severe injury by dangerous driving.

He was ordered to carry out 208 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months and made the subject of a six-month Restriction of Liberty Order (RoLO) which will see him fitted with an electronic tag and will have to remain within his home between 7pm and 7am every day.

Carroll was also banned from driving for two years and will have to sit and pass an extended driving test before getting behind the wheel again.