Driving ban for woman after cyclist 'left for dead'

A woman been banned from driving for a year after a cyclist was "left at the roadside for dead" in a crash.

Lucy Elango, 51, hit the man on the B4508 in Wiltshire on 6 December and drove away before she gave any details.

Elango previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and failing to stop after a road accident and, at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was fined £200.

The 53-year-old cyclist, who had serious injuries, told the court: "I think the thing that really hurts me is that I was left at the roadside for dead by someone that hit me with their vehicle. I do realise how lucky I am to be alive."

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard how Elango was driving her Toyota Aygo between Watchfield and Highworth when she struck the bicycle from behind as she attempted to overtake.

The cyclist was knocked off his bike and flung onto the grass verge beside the road.

Elango briefly stopped while other people provided first aid, but she then got back into her car and drove away.

She was only identified as a result of a police media appeal.

The cyclist says he is still living with the physical and mental consequences of the crash.

His injuries included fractures to his neck and back.

In a statement read out in court, he said: "I'm finding this extremely hard to come to terms with and it scares me that people could do that to a human being.

"I have been a lifelong fitness enthusiast, and I really don't know what this will look like now after this accident."

PC Paul Davis, roads policing officer for Wiltshire Police, said Elango demonstrated a "complete lack of empathy and care".

He added: "We must not forget the enormous consequences that a moment's inattention or lack of care lead to.

"I hope Elango reflects on, and fully understands the consequences of her actions."

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