(Nearly) Lethal Weapon – 27.2.12

Bus driver Gavin Hill has been jailed by Bristol Crown Court for 17 months after using his “…vehicle as a weapon to bully and intimidate (a) cyclist.” In fact the 43-year-old cyclist, Phillip Mead, was somewhat more than bullied and intimidated, he was deliberately hit by Hill’s bus, knocking him from his bike and causing both a fractured wrist and leg. The shocking incident was caught on CCTV following a brief altercation between Hill and Mead and in his sentencing Judge Mark Horton said, “This was not an accident, it was an assault… deliberate, dangerous driving.” And yet, Cyclo has to wonder, why no charge of attempted murder? Frankly 17 months and the addition of a two-and-a-half year driving ban and order to pass an extended driving test seems small beer – not to mention a clear signal that Hill will ultimately drive again. When was the last time a failed attempt to kill someone with a gun led to the offer of a renewed license once they had been taught hot to shoot better?