Cops give cyclist punched by road rage attacker an official caution for swearing at him
Car driver who hit David, 47, in face only got a written warning
A SCOTTISH cyclist who was the victim of a road rage attack was accused of breaching the peace by police – after he swore at his attacker.
David Brennan, 47, was cycling to work in Glasgow in October 2019 when he was assaulted by a driver who punched him in the face.
After being shown video footage of the incident, Police Scotland issued the driver with a written warning – but then accused David of breaching the peace because of the way he had reacted.
The charges against David, from Torrance, Dunbartonshire, have now been dropped, but charity Cycling UK is demanding a review of procedures and calling for meetings with the Scottish Justice Minister, top cops and Transport Scotland officials to discuss how vulnerable road users can be better protected.
David said: “I thought I was in danger and reacted to a fast-approaching vehicle by slapping the bonnet with the palm of my hand. The driver got out and was incredibly aggressive, hurling abuse at me.
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He pushed me and then punched me in the face. I was left with a swollen lip and in a state of shock.”
The police examined footage of the incident captured by cameras David had attached to his helmet and his bike and gave the driver a written warning.
He said: “I felt angry and let down. I had been driven at, abused, pushed and punched in the face, and the driver was only given a warning? That’s not justice.”
A few weeks later, police visited David’s home and advised him they were issuing him with an official warning for a breach of the peace. He said:
“I was shaken to the core. Under pressure, late at night and with no advice at hand, I felt that I had to accept the warning.
“The officers didn’t care that any swearing and shouting was a reaction to being endangered and assaulted.
“I’ve spoken to many other cyclists who’ve had bad experiences with the police.
“It requires political will from the Scottish Government to ensure that all vulnerable road users are protected by a justice system that properly protects those who have little protection themselves. It also requires Police Scotland to re-examine how they deal with incidents such as this.”
Jim Densham, Cycling UK’s policy and campaigns manager in Scotland, said: “Dangerous incidents reported to the police on the road must be dealt with fairly and they must recognise that people who cycle are vulnerable road users.
“We believe helmet cam and dashcam technology can help the police do their job and we are calling for Police Scotland to introduce a straightforward system which enables anyone to submit this footage.”
Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.