A Carlisle driver who hit a cyclist when entering a roundabout and then drove off has avoided a driving ban. 63-year-old Gary Dalton pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to stop after an accident. He was handed a 12-month community order and had 10 points added to his driving licence and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs plus an £85 victim surcharge.

The News and Star reports that the collision occurred on Boundary Road, Currock, on November 24 2018 when Dalton failed to see a cyclist when entering a roundabout.

"The cyclist ended up on top of the bonnet of his vehicle,” said Julie Hansel, prosecuting. "This resulted in some injury – a swelling down to his leg."

Dalton drove off without checking on the victim, but a passer-by witnessed the incident, took the car's number plate and passed it to police.

"Officers went to his home address and he made a full and frank admission,” said Hansel. "During the course of his interview, he said he had pulled out but checked it was clear before pulling out."

Dalton told police he had panicked and driven off.

"He accepted that he was not observant enough," said Hansel. "That was the reason he hadn't seen the cyclist."

"I'm very sorry,” said Dalton in court. “I’m normally very careful. It's just one of those things."

Dalton argued that he needed to drive to get to his job as a security guard at the Cavaghan & Gray factory. He also said that a ban would adversely affect his aunt, who he visits most days on the other side of Carlisle.