A motorcyclist who caused serious injuries to a cyclist in Bexhill last month has been jailed and disqualified from driving.
Reece Ripley, 21, who is unemployed and of no fixed address, was reportedly speeding when he clipped the front wheel of a bicycle on De La Warr Parade at around 10am on June 1.
The bike was being pushed across the road at the time. Ripley then fell off the bike, but the bike didn't stop and it went into the path of a cyclist coming from the opposite direction.
The 50-year-old victim sustained serious injuries, which required emergency surgery.
Ripley then fled the scene, returning later on a bicycle.
A police officer borrowed a bicycle from a member of the public, pursuing him and subsequently arresting him.
Ripley appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday 3 June, charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, and driving with no insurance.
He pleaded guilty to all offences and was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 1 July for sentencing.
There, he was sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three years.
Detective Inspector Sue Neilson, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“Witnesses described Ripley travelling far in excess of the 30mph speed limit when this incident occurred.
"He then made off from the scene and took no responsibility for his actions, which seriously injured an innocent member of the public.
“We welcome careful and considerate driving and riding in Sussex, but there is no place for driving or riding which is antisocial or dangerous.
"As demonstrated here, this selfish behaviour can result in serious injuries or death, and it will not be tolerated on our roads.”
To report an incident of dangerous or antisocial driving, visit the Operation Crackdown website.
In an emergency, call 999.
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