Published: Saturday, 13th December, 2008 12:30pm

Cyclist knocked down by farmer

A KILMACOLM farmer left a cyclist with serious injuries after knocking him down with a cattle trailer.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Ivie Lamont, 57, hit the cyclist as he travelled along Lochwinnoch Road in Kilmacolm, leaving him with bruising to his lung and a broken shoulder.

Despite stopping at the scene, Lamont then drove off and failed to report the accident to police.

The 57-year-old admitted both offences when the case came before Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart on Thursday but was allowed to keep his licence – escaping with penalty points and a fine.

Depute fiscal Tom Smyth told the court how the victim, believed to be from Kilmacolm, had been enjoying a Sunday afternoon cycle on the quiet road when Lamont drove up behind him pulling the trailer.

He added: 'He tried to overtake and got three quarters of the way past the cyclist when the back of the trailer struck the man and knocked him off his bike and into the grass verge.

'The accused stopped at the time, but after driving away, failed to report the incident at a police station.'

Mr Smyth told how the cyclist went to hospital after suffering pain when he got home after his ordeal.

He said: 'He went to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where it was found the cyclist had broken his shoulder and suffered bruising to his right lung as well as various cuts and abrasions. The man has had to return to hospital since for further treatment.'

During his appearance in the dock, Lamont admitted driving a car pulling a cattle trailer without due care and attention and colliding with the cyclist, causing him to be injured, on Lochwinnoch Road in Kilmacolm, on 3 August this year. He also admitted failing to report the accident to police.

A defence lawyer for Lamont said the 57-year-old, who owns farmland in Kilmacolm, could lose his livelihood if losing his licence.

She added: 'He thought it was safe to pass the cyclist, but accepts he didn"t leave enough room. He was unaware of the injuries the man had suffered.

'He owns farms across the area and travels to them on a daily basis to look after affairs, as well as living three miles from the nearest shop. He relies heavily on his ability to drive. A disqualification could jeopardise all of this.'

Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart said: 'You have come very close to losing your licence.'

Lamont, of Lochwinnoch Road, Lochwinnoch, was fined £840 and given eight penalty points.

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