A cyclist who left a pensioner with life-threatening injuries in crash was convicted under a Victorian law, prompting campaigners to urge the government to bring in new legislation against dangerous riders.

The cyclist who was pedaling at speed when he collided with a 70-year-old as she crossed a road in Bedminster, Bristol, was jailed him for 16 months on Thursday under legislation which dates back to 1861.

Connor Coltman, 27, who was due to face a four-day trial in October, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving.

After colliding with Angela Horseman, Coltman stopped momentarily before fleeing the scene over fears he had killed her and was later found wearing different clothes on a train track.

Mrs Horseman was taken to Southmead Hospital where she was found to have a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull and a punctured lung.

She underwent three operations to her brain and is likely to have long-term repercussions, the court heard.