October 26th 2024.
In a shocking turn of events, a video captured the moment when Joseph Pedelty, an e-scooter rider, ran a red light and collided with a vet, causing her to suffer a broken skull. This incident occurred in Portsmouth on January 14th of this year. Fortunately, the rider has been spared jail time despite his previous ban from driving due to a DUI charge.
According to reports, Pedelty was caught on dashcam footage riding away from the scene while the victim, veterinary surgeon Raquel Delgado-Calos, lay injured on the road. The city's magistrates' court was informed that the red light was clearly visible and could have been easily avoided by the rider. Ms. Delgado-Calos described the impact as being hit by a bus and has been left with permanent scars, deep cuts on her head and nose, and a fractured skull.
In her statement, Ms. Delgado-Calos stated that she and her partner were walking with suitcases when they approached a pedestrian crossing. As they arrived, the traffic light turned red and a car stopped. She turned right and took a step when she suddenly felt a strong impact. It felt like a heavy slap to her face and she was immediately on the ground, thinking that she had been hit by a bus. She then realized that she had been struck by an e-scooter rider who had fled the scene.
After pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Pedelty, who lives in Waterlooville, was banned from driving for 18 months and given a community order of the same length. According to his lawyer, Roni Pittman, he had gone for a ride on his scooter to clear his head. He then voluntarily turned himself in to the police after a public appeal to find the rider responsible for the accident. Ms. Pittman also mentioned that Pedelty was shocked and horrified when he saw the media coverage of the victim's injuries.
However, the prosecutor, Giles Fletcher, pointed out that Pedelty did not stop at the scene and left the victim injured. He also mentioned that the rider was not insured and did not comply with the red light, which was clearly visible. The footage also showed the victim's partner being surprised by the incident.
During the court hearing, the chair of the magistrates' bench, Ryan Rutlidge, criticized Pedelty for not stopping to check on the victim's well-being. However, taking into account his remorse, the court made him subject to an 18-month community order, which includes 20 rehabilitation requirement activity days and alcohol treatment. He was also disqualified from driving, including e-scooters, for 18 months and ordered to pay a fine of £120 and additional costs of £319.
This sentence also included charges of riding without insurance, failing to stop after an accident, and ignoring a red light, all of which Pedelty admitted to. It is a reminder for all riders to adhere to traffic laws and be responsible while using e-scooters. Let us all hope that Ms. Delgado-Calos recovers from her injuries soon.
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