[A] MAN accused of punching a pedal cyclist seconds before he slammed into the back of a van in Workington has gone on trial.
Stricken rider Damien Tinkler told Carlisle Crown Court of the appalling injuries he suffered after his head went through the back window of the vehicle. These occurred during an incident near Workington town centre at around 9-30pm on January 19.
Mr Tinkler received 25 stitches to head wounds, underwent two-and-a-half hours’ surgery and had pieces of glass removed. “My face had opened up about an inch-and-a-half, and bits of my face was hanging off,” he said in evidence.
Mr Tinkler alleges that former friend Raymond Kyle Smith punched him as he cycled at speed, causing him to career into the van.
But 21-year-old Smith, of Cross Street, Workington, refutes that allegation, later telling police he simply intended to scare Mr Tinkler “as a joke”.
Opening the case, prosecutor Clare Thomas told jurors: “He was adamant that at no time had he punched Mr Tinkler.”
Smith denies an unlawful wounding charge, and the trial continues.
