A minicab driver who hit a cyclist whilst distracted by using his mobile phone has been spared jail.

Abdelyekini Olafusi was found guilty of careless driving after he ran down the woman in Clerkenwell.

Olafusi clipped the back of the 41-year-old cyclist’s wheel when he turned right at traffic lights on Gray's Inn Road on May 27.

The cyclist, an Italian woman, fell off her bike to the ground but Olafusi did not stop and continued to drive over her.

The court heard that the 57-year-old driver had initially thought he had driven over a speed-bump.

The woman was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. She had suffered a broken leg, a fractured pelvis and a chest injury and is still recovering.

​Olafusi stopped at the scene and was charged with careless and inconsiderate driving on November 22 2016.

He was found guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Thursday, received a 15 month driving ban and was ordered to pay costs totalling £1260.

Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost of the Met's roads and transport policing command said Olafusi's "reckless" driving was a "stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel".

She added: "The victim suffered horrific injuries, and was incredibly lucky not to have been killed.

"Stiffer penalties were recently introduced for drivers who use mobile phones whilst on the road, and we are committed to enforcing these new laws to make London's roads safer."

In March police in the UK issued tougher laws for drivers caught using their phone at the wheel.

Under the new legislation, which came into force on March 1, drivers caught using their phone face an immediate six-point penalty on their licence and a £200 fine.