Drugged driver escapes prison after causing cyclist a ‘traumatic brain injury’

A DRUG driver has been fined €1,800 for running over a cyclist who was hospitalised suffering from a variety of wounds, including a ‘traumatic brain injury’.

The victim was reportedly thrown 20 metres as a result of the ‘strong impact’ when he was struck in Via Roma, Palma, in February 2017.

The 25-year-old defendant, who failed to immediately stop at the scene, later tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.

At Palma court this week, he was accused of ‘accelerating suddenly’ in his Renault Laguna to avoid stopping at a traffic light and giving way to the rider, in Calle Santiago Russinyol.

The victim spent four days at Rotger Clinic having sustained ‘a traumatic brain injury, brain contusion, injuries to the face, right wrist and left shoulder’.

He wore a collar, a splint on his wrist and spent three months in rehabilitation.

The victim has withdrawn civil action against the defendant after an insurance company compensated him.

The prosecution had initially requested a two year prison sentence and a two year driving ban, but a deal was made, and while the defendant’s licence was withdrawn, the prison term was reduced to a fine.