A private hire vehicle driver who ran over a cyclist whilst distracted using his mobile phone has been found guilty of careless and inconsiderate driving.

Abdelyekini Olafusi, 57 (21.10.59) of Hoskins Close E16, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 20 April.

Olafusi received a 15 month driving ban and was ordered to pay costs totalling £1260

Police were called at around 19:20hrs on Friday, 27 May 2016 to reports of a car in collision with a cyclist on Theobald Road at the junction with Clerkenwell Road, EC1.

Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.

The cyclist, a 41-year-old woman from Italy, was taken to an east London hospital.

She suffered a broken leg, a fractured pelvis and a chest injury and is still recovering from her injuries.

The court heard that Olafusi was waiting at traffic lights at the junction of Grays Inn Road. When the lights turned green, he moved off and went to make a right turn.

He subsequently clipped the back wheel of the cyclist, causing her to fall to the ground. Olafusi continued driving and went over the cyclist. The court heard that he initially thought he had gone over a speed-bump.

Olafusi stopped at the scene and assisted with police enquiries. He was later summonsed and charged with careless and inconsiderate driving on 22 November 2016.

Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command said: “Olafusi’s reckless driving resulted in the serious injury of a cyclist, and this is a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel. The victim suffered horrific injuries, and was incredibly lucky not to have been killed.

“Stiffer penalties were recently introduced for drivers who use mobile phones whilst on the road, and we are committed to enforcing these new laws to make London’s roads safer.”