Canning Town minicab driver thought cyclist he crushed while distracted by his mobile phone was a speed bump
The minicab driver was distracted by his phone at this junction in Islington. PICTURE: Google StreetView - Credit: Archant
A minicab driver who crushed a cyclist because he was distracted by his mobile phone has been banned for driving.
Abdelyekini Olafusi of Hoskins Close, Canning Town, hit the 41-year-old woman in at the junction of Theobalds Road and Clerkenwell Road in Islington in May last year.
When the 57-year-old appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, the court heard that he was waiting at traffic lights when the lights turned green, he moved off and went to make a right turn.
He clipped the cyclist’s back wheel, and she fell to the ground – but Olafusi kept driving and went over her.
The court heard that he initially thought he had gone over a speed-bump, and that she was lucky she didn’t die.
You may also want to watch:
The victim suffered a broken leg, a fractured pelvis and a wounded chest.
A year later, she is still recovering from her injuries.
Most Read
- 1 Newham to start weekly recycling collections
- 2 Anonymous tip off could hold key to murder of Sami Sidhom three years later
- 3 Town hall chiefs back £3m purchase of Plaistow property for rough sleeper centre
- 4 Operose: Addressing 'understandable' concerns over GP takeover
- 5 Police officer jailed for GBH after injuring man in Forest Gate
- 6 Body found in search for missing Newham man
- 7 Housing campaigners to stage protest in Canning Town over empty homes
- 8 Newcastle's late Willock winner hits West Ham hopes
- 9 Jailed: Newham men who raped and robbed women in Hackney home
- 10 Campaigners stage River Thames protest over Silvertown Tunnel
Olafusi received a 15 month driving ban and was ordered to pay costs totalling £1260
Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost said his reckless driving is “a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel.
“The victim suffered horrific injuries, and was incredibly lucky not to have been killed.
“Stiffer penalties were recently introduced for drivers who use mobile phones whilst on the road, and we are committed to enforcing these new laws to make London’s roads safer.”