Cyclist faces bankruptcy after collision with pedestrian

A cyclist who knocked over a pedestrian whilst she was staring at her phone could face bankruptcy after being ordered to pay up to £100,000 in compensation and legal fees.

On 19 June TaxiPoint reported how Robert Hazeldean crashed into Gemma Brushett as she attempted to cross a busy junction at London Bridge, which resulted in both parties being knocked unconscious.

As a result of the collision, 28 year old Ms Brushett sued Mr Hazeldean for compensation after she suffered damage to her front teeth and facial scarring. 

The Evening Standard reported that Judge Shanti Mauger awarded Ms Brushett £4,161.79 in damages despite accepting that Mr Hazeldean wasn't wholly at fault for the accident, ruling that Ms Brushett was partially to blame and could have been sued herself.

The hearing at Central London County Court not only saw Mr Hazeldean hit for damages, but he must also pay most of the legal costs of the two day hearing, amounting to nearly £100,000 according to Ms Brushett’s lawyers.

The cyclist's lawyers have said they are disputing the size of the legal costs “in the strongest terms”, while Judge Mauger said the costs “appeared to be disproportionate”. The case will have to return to court to decide how much Mr Hazeldean must pay in legal costs.

A fundraising page has now been set up to assist Mr Hazeldean with an initial target of £21,300.  

Image Source: Flickr

Image Author: Tejvan Pettinger