A DRIVER collided with a cyclist on a country road, throwing the man from his bike and down an embankment. 

Gerald Ward, of Bolestyle Road, Maybole, drove dangerously and at excessive speed on his home street and Dalrymple Road in Kirkmichael in May last year. 

The 72-year-old reversed the car when it was unsafe to do so and crossed the centre white lines, causing the cyclist to take evasive action.

Ward then drove so close to the man on the bike he rode into a kerb and on to pavement before the car collided with him, causing him to fall to the ground, sustaining injury and damage to the bike.

Ward appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame at Ayr Sherriff Court last week.

The court heard how the accused had overtaken the witness at 12.35pm.

Depute Fiscal Jennifer Thompson said: “The cyclist was overtaken by a vehicle which he thought was going at excessive speed. He thought nothing of it and continued cycling.

“Further on, he observed the vehicle parked. On his approach the accused started to reverse and drove over the white lines separating the road lanes.

“The complainer became aware that the driver was revving his engine before observing the front wheel and wing mirror at his handle bars. This forced him onto the kerb the witness continued along the pavement. 

“He felt something on his tyre and was thrown from his bike down a steep embankment.”

The court heard the value of the damage to the bike was at least £2000. The cyclist suffered injury to his neck and bike area and was receiving painkiller medication and had to go for physiotherapy.

Speaking on Ward’s behalf, defence solicitor Steven Maxwell, said: “I am surprised at the value of damage caused to the bike was as high as that, as they can range from £200 to £2000.

“It is my view that the man said the value was £1000 which means the damage caused would need to have been under £2000. 

“Mr Ward knows that this means that he will be disqualified. He is not driving and has given up his licence. He is 72-years-old and does not have any previous convictions.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Carole Cunninghame said: “The interim disqualification will remain in place. I have trouble with your attitude.

“The social work report says that you do not appreciate that other road users are more vulnerable than you. The court has made observations in respect of this and you will need to reflect on that.”

Sentence has been deferred to allow for the appropriate paperwork to be provided regarding insurance and for the accused to be of good behaviour.