Cyclist went through red light and left OAP injured

Teenager Tafari Miller cycled through a red light in the High Street and knocked over Barbara Sandford.

The 71-year-old fell to the ground. She suffered a broken left wrist, chipped teeth and cuts and bruises in the collision.

She spent 48 hours in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital following the incident and has needed further follow-up treatment.

Miller, 18, admitted a charge of dangerous cycling at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was fined.

Sarah McKay, prosecuting, said the collision took place at about 2.30pm on March 22.

She said: “Mr Miller was cycling along High Street from the city centre towards St Clement’s.

“What has happened is the defendant has ridden his cycle through a pedestrian crossing while the light was red.

“As a result, he has hit Barbara Sandford, causing both to fall over.”

Mrs McKay said Miller, who was wearing headphones at the time and suffered a small bump on his head, went to Mrs Sandford’s aid and called an ambulance.

She added: “In police interview he said he was looking at an advertising banner on the side of a bus and didn’t remember seeing the lights being red. To Mr Miller’s credit he did stop, he did call an ambulance and repeatedly apologised to the victim.”

Angela Porter, defending, said her client, of Greenfinch Close, Greater Leys, was studying part-time and working in the catering industry part-time.

She said he intended to continue his studies once he finished college this summer.

District Judge Tim Pattinson said Mrs Sandford suffered “what seems like a terribly painful injury, with fairly long consequences, even if it is just the dental work”.

Fining Miller £100, with a £15 victims’ surcharge and ordering him to pay £85 costs and £500 compensation, Mr Pattinson said: “I do take the view that pedestrians need protection, especially when crossing.

“Anyone who cycles around with headphones on and letting themselves get distracted must pay the penalty.”