A driver accused of assaulting a cyclist on Hardknott Pass in the Lake District is to stand trial in front of a jury later this year.
James French, 35, faced one charge when he appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court this morning.
This alleges that French assaulted cyclist Lee Kermode, causing actual bodily harm. It arises out of an incident on the Hardknott Pass road, between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, which in places has a gradient of around 30 per cent.
During today’s short hearing, French pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His lawyer told the court his client’s defence to the allegation was self-defence and reasonable proportion of reaction. The incident is said to have occurred on May 15 last year.
A trial will now take place at the crown court in the week of June 13. It is estimated this will last around two days.
French, of Speakman Road, Dentons Green, St Helens, has been granted bail by Judge Richard Archer.
