Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Hunt for hit-and-run driver who struck disabled man at crossing
Exclusive
The family of a disabled man knocked down on a zebra crossing are demanding the authorities prosecute the driver of the car that hit him.
Tony Hollingsbee’s groin was pierced by his brake handle after he was struck by a red car while cycling across the Kingsmead end of Broad Oak.
The 26-year-old, whose learning disability means he has the mental age of a nine-year-old, spent the next four days in Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital after suffering a nasty gash.
“The car just barged right into my side and knocked me flying,” he said. “The pain was really awful.”
Mr Hollingsbee has now returned to the home in Craddock Road, Canterbury, he shares with his mother, Lorraine, 50.
She and daughter Denise want the driver to face full judicial process.
“If that doesn’t happen, then that’s disgusting,” said Ms Hollingsbee, 31.
“It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident, but this driver did and we want him prosecuted.
“A lot of people know Tony around Canterbury and they will not be happy if there is no proper investigation.”
Mr Hollingsbee’s bike was donated by Biketart, the cycle shop in The Borough, after a customer learned his old one had been stolen.
As well as the physical pain of his injury, Mr Hollingsbee says he has suffered psychologically.
“I’m now frightened of going out,” he said. “It will be outrageous if they do not prosecute the driver.”
Police say the accident was reported to them at 12.45pm on Sunday, September 17.
Spokesman Natalie Hardy said: “Upon officers’ arrival in Broad Oak Road, they were informed by a witness that the driver of the car had stopped and spoken to the cyclist after the collision, but had since left the scene.
“Inquiries are ongoing to locate the driver of the red car and also to establish the circumstances of the collision.
“Of ficers have spoken to the cyclist’s family and have updated them on the investigation.”
Any witnesses to the collision who have not yet spoken to police should call 01843 222289, quoting 17-0517.