‘Bloody cyclists’ driver regrets tweet in court

Former trainee accountant Emma Way, 22, from Watton, Norfolk, was found guilty at Norwich Magistrates’ Court of failing to stop after a collision and failing to report the accident on May 19.

She was cleared of driving without due care and attention.

Magistrates heard Miss Way tweeted “definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier. I have right of way – he doesn’t even pay road tax!” using the hashtag #bloodycyclists afterwards.

Cyclist Toby Hockley suffered bruising and minor damage to his bike in the incident near the village of Rockland All Saints, Norfolk.

Magistrate Martin Cliffe fined Way £337 and ordered her to pay £300 in costs. He also ordered that seven penalty points be added to her licence.

Way told the court that she had lost her job with Norwich-based accountancy firm Larking Gowen as a result of the tweet.

She said: “The tweet was spur of the moment. It was ridiculous and stupid and I apologise to all cyclists. It is the biggest regret of my life so far.”