Exeter Police

LATEST NEWS | A 40-year-old man has appeared in court after knocking down a cyclist while driving in Exeter.

Jonathan Brothers, of Fairfield Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance on February 24 this year.

Dashcam footage was played to the court in which a Peugeot panel van is seen to collide with a cyclist on Cowick Street, Exeter.

As both the bike and van proceeded through green traffic lights, Brothers turned right and struck the cyclist at a low speed, causing minor injuries.

Brothers gave the cyclist his details and was later invited to a voluntary police interview. He said he could not see the cyclist as his vision was impaired by the low-lying sun.

The defendant has no previous convictions but was banned from driving for six months last November due to points totting up on his licence.

Brothers said he had been in the process of moving house and was unaware of the disqualification. He accepted that because of the driving ban he would not have been covered by insurance.

Lindsey Baker, prosecuting, said the cyclist had requested £72 compensation for his bike to be repaired.

The case was adjourned to August 27 for a probation report. Brothers was released on unconditional bail.

[Story written as part of the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme]

With the really good weather that spring has brought us and with Summer around the corner, this is the perfect time to go out and enjoy a ride on a motor bike. Whether you are beginner or a experienced rider, safety is the upmost importance. Unfortunately, there has been an increase of Thefts and criminal damage towards Motor bikes, more specifically Mopeds/scooters. We at Devon and Cornwall police, strongly recommend that you increase the prevention of your motor bike from being stolen. It is worth spending the extra bit on improving or adding extra security.

You should consider the following ideas:

* Locking you vehicle to a immovable object - Lamp posts, secure fencing, or something that is bolted to the ground, to prevent the lifting of a light vehicle.
* Improving the chain and locks - to make it more difficult.
* Adding extra locking device's - Disc lock.
* A cover that covers the whole bike - so it doesn't catch any unwanted attention.
* Parking under lighting or well lighten up area.
* Adding CCTV - increasing the prevention, capturing any suspicious activity.
* GPS tag.

We hope the information above is useful and addresses to some degree the concerns that you have raised. If you have experienced this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://orlo.uk/YOqkG, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at https://orlo.uk/qOyWA .

Remember to Lock it up or rise loosing it.