on cyclist

A MOTORIST who launched a "cowardly and vicious" road rage attack on a cyclist in Latchford has been convicted by a Warrington Crown Court jury.

Furious Kenneth Stockton, aged 46, began by remonstrating with Paul Kavanagh and fellow rider Alan Bibby about cycling abreast on Knutsford Road, the court heard.

And after a heated exchange, as Mr Kavanagh attempted to ride off, he was punched in the head by Stockton, said prosecutor Meirion Lewis Jones.

Still 'locked' into his bike's pedals, the rider crashed to the ground, suffering a broken jaw and hurting his left shoulder as his head hit the kerb.

Mr Lewis Jones said that while Mr Kavanagh was on the floor, the defendant hit him again.

Passing motorist Dave Maskery witnessed the attack, watching as Stockton threw a punch. He tried to get the pair to stop.

Stockton was complaining that Mr Kavanagh had ripped his top as they grappled together on the ground.

Vehicles were forced to slow down and there was a road accident involving another car at the scene, added Mr Lewis Jones.

Arrested and interviewed about the matter, Stockton claimed the cyclist had emerged from the Wash Lane junction into his path, causing him to swerve.

And when he sounded his horn, Mr Kavanagh had hurled a torrent of abuse at him and asked him to pull his car over.

He told police that Mr Stockton had then attacked him, and lunged at his girlfriend, who was also in the car.

But a jury took only an hour to find Stockton, of Howson Road, Orford, guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm to Mr Kavanagh.

Judge David Hale remanded Stockton on bail for reports. He will be sentenced on November 8.