A shocking video of a hit-and-run in Bristol shows two men fleeing the scene, leaving an cyclist with serious injuries. The cyclist, Julian Ford, was hit by a car as he rode along a road in Avonmouth in July 2020.
The shocking video was filmed on a mobile phone by Patrick James, 22, who was the front seat passenger in the Ford C-Max car that hit Mr Ford.
Bristol Crown Court heard James had his Snapchat account open at the time – suggesting he was broadcasting the incident live on social media.
Anjali Gohil, prosecuting, told the jury: “The car sped up as it approached from behind with the two males in the car being heard to laugh. The car mounted the kerb and hit him making no attempt to brake.
“A witness was present at the scene and described seeing the car speed off and the sound of the two males laughing from the car. There was no attempt to stop or call the emergency services.”
She added: “Mr Ford was unprotected and unable to take action. He was no match for a car being driven at him. Mr Ford didn’t stand a chance.”
The cyclist, Mr Ford sustained a fractured rib, hemothorax, a lung injury and blood in his chest. A hemothorax is is a serious condition where blood collects in the hollow cavity between your lungs and your rib cage.
The hit-and-run only came to light recently after James was arrested in connection with a similar attack on NHS worker, Katungua Tjitendero. After James was arrested following the attack on Mr Tjitendero, the shocking video of Mr Ford’s attack was found by police.
BristolLive reported that Phillip Adams, 26, and Patrick James, 22, who were in the car that hit Mr Tjitendero, were convicted by a jury of conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm. The court heard that Mr Tjitendero suffered a fractured fibula, fractured nose, and lacerations to his head and both shins, which required surgery.
James, of Lawrence Weston, Bristol, was later convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Ford, and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm to Mr Tjitendero. He faces jail when he is sentenced on Monday.
Detective Superintendent Mike Buck, who led the investigation, said: “Patrick James was filming the attack and you hear him on the video, and the driver, laughing both before and afterwards as they drive off. Absolutely sickening.”