A DELIVERY driver “came out of nowhere” and smashed into the side of a cyclist, a court heard.

Safiullah Safi made no attempt to brake or slow down before the crash on Trinity Road.

The 29-year-old of Cranbury Road, Southampton, struck cyclist Christopher Carter after failing to stop at a junction.

The victim flew over the bonnet, landing on the road behind the car.

After being taken to hospital, doctors told him he had fractured his kneecap.

Now, more than a year on, Mr Carter is still experiencing a lot of pain in his leg which he thinks will never go away.

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Prosecuting, Emily Lanham told Southampton Crown Court that his leg stiffens up if he stays in a car for too long and he has an increased chance of developing arthritis.

She said his mental health has been affected by heightened anxiety levels and that his injuries are “likely to continue for life”.

Daily Echo: Safiullah Safi outside Southampton Crown Court. 1/2/2023 Safiullah Safi outside Southampton Crown Court. 1/2/2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Defending, Nadia Chbat said this is “totally out of character” for Safi who previously worked as a delivery driver but now makes pizzas.

She added: “This is a very tragic situation for everybody involved.

“He stops almost immediately, pulls the car over and goes straight to the victim on the floor.

“He experienced a high level of remorse over his actions. [He is] also very upset that he now has a criminal record.”

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CCTV of the crash showed there was no attempt to brake or slow down with Ms Lanham describing the car as “coming out of nowhere”.

Safi pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving and has one previous conviction.

Judge Peter Henry described his actions as a “momentary piece of bad driving which created a significant risk” but said Safi was not exceeding the speed limit.

“You were driving in a narrow built-up area. You did not slow,” he said.

“You went straight across taking a chance that there was nothing coming.

“[You] must have missed the fact that this gentleman on his bicycle was riding perfectly sensibly.

“If you had been paying proper attention you would have seen him.”

Safi was sentenced to 16 months in prison suspended for two years and was disqualified from driving for two years.

He must also complete 250 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,000 in compensation and take an extended re-test if he wants his licence back.

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