A former serviceman who has admitted responsibility for knocking a cyclist off his bike in a motoring incident, is to be sentenced later this year.

But before the sentence is passed medical and background probation reports are to be prepared on Richard Jenkinson, for the assistance of the judge dealing with the case.

The 56-year-old defendant, of Pine View, Stanley, indicated a guilty plea to a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at the first hearing in the case, before magistrates on July 12.

He was granted bail by the bench and the case was sent to Durham Crown Court for the formal plea and then sentencing hearing.

Read more: Thousands of cyclists injured on North East roads in five years

The case arises from an incident which took place on Park Road, South Moor, Stanley, shortly after 3.30pm on July 4, last year.

Jenkinson was at the wheel of a Vauxhall Meriva which was in collision with a 54-year-old pedal cyclist, who was thrown from his cycle, landing on a pavement.

The victim was taken to hospital suffering fractures to the hip and the top of a thigh bone, which had to be fitted with a supportive pin.

Jenkinson appeared at the crown court on Thursday (August 4) when his counsel, Jennifer Coxon, asked Judge Ray Singh to delay the sentencing of her client to allow for the preparation of psychological and Probation Service reports.

She said the defendant has suffered “long-term PTSD” (post-traumatic stress disorder), arising from experiences in ten years in the Army and in his younger years.

“I do think his mental health issues are beyond what the Probation Service can deal with in a report.”

Judge Singh said if there was to be a psychological report drawn up, it should be passed on to probation, for the assistance of the author of the background report.

Read more: Yob jailed after deliberately driving into cyclist before Sunderland bike theft

Addressing Jenkinson, Judge Singh said: “I can’t deal with your case to a conclusion today.

“I need a report to assist the judge who will decide what ever sentence is appropriate.”

But he added: “Because of the mere fact I’m adjourning and granting you continued bail, don’t read anything into that.

“All sentencing options remain open to the court, but that will be for the judge who deals with the case.”

Jenkinson will return to the court to be sentenced on Tuesday October 4.

Read next: 

Middlesbrough: Cyclist injured after being hit by van

Framwellgate Moor incident: Air ambulance on scene after car and cyclist crash 

Darlington A167 crash results in cyclist taken to hospital

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