A 58-year-old motorist from Ennis Close in Lurgan pleaded guilty to careless driving at Craigavon Magistrates Court. The case involved an incident on September 25 last year along Bleary Road in Craigavon near the junction with Knock Road.

Three cyclists rode toward Drumnacanvy village around 11am. A Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck approached from Knock Road and slowed to almost a stop. The vehicle then moved off suddenly as the cyclists neared the junction.

All three cyclists took evasive action to avoid a collision. Footage from a helmet-mounted camera recorded the event. Police spoke with one of the cyclists who reported the details.

Michael Robert McDowell drove the Volkswagen Amarok. His solicitor Peter Murphy told the court that McDowell had stopped due to a car ahead signaling a left turn. McDowell focused on that car and did not see the cyclists behind it until it passed.

Murphy noted that McDowell braked right away and cycles regularly himself. He stressed that McDowell stays alert for bicycles and motorbikes. McDowell works as a self-employed builder and relies on his driving licence.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan stated that drivers owe extra care to cyclists. He called a driving ban disproportionate given the circumstances. The judge imposed five penalty points on McDowell along with a £200 fine and £15 offender levy. McDowell now holds eight points total on his licence.