No charges for cyclist who hit child

A CYCLIST who collided with a child in Dunedin will not face charges, as the family maintain they did not lie about the story.

Dunedin police said yesterday they had established the man did not swear at the child, as alleged by the child’s aunt Samantha Scott last week, while an investigation also found the cyclist stopped to provide immediate assistance.

The cyclist collided with 3yearold Jaxxyn Scott near Dunedin’s ‘‘Dinosaur Park’’ in St Kilda last Wednesday, leaving him with a broken leg and abdominal and head injuries.

Senior Sergeant Jared Kirk, of Dunedin, said the 64yearold cyclist contacted police after media coverage of the incident.

The cyclist said he stopped to provide immediate assistance and did not abuse the family, and this version of events was corroborated by an independent witness, Snr Sgt Kirk said.

‘‘He did not realise the child had been seriously injured and was advised by a family member that the child was OK and he should continue on his way.

‘‘At no time did he swear at the child or any of the . . . family.

‘‘The man is devastated at the injuries suffered by the child.’’

He had been issued with an infringement notice for riding on the footpath, but no charges would be laid.

Snr Sgt Kirk said police had advised the injured child’s family of this and they said they were satisfied with the outcome.

But Jaxxyn’s aunt Samantha Scott, who was with her nephew at the time, said yesterday the version of events she provided to media last week was correct.

‘‘I’m sticking by it.

‘‘He abused Jaxxyn as soon as he came off the bike and he abused us as well.

‘‘We didn’t lie . . . Everyone’s . . . turning the hate on us for it.

‘‘You have to remember, the guy might be in shock, too, and he didn’t realise what he was saying.’’