Boy, 17, charged after grandfather pushed and robbed of bike in Rotherham

Nigel Bane, 70, was cycling through Thurcroft in Rotherham on January 27, when he was allegedly pushed off his e-bike before it was stolen.

Mr Bane suffered four broken ribs and had to be treated in hospital for his injuries.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with robbery and Grievous Bodily Harm.

The boy pleaded not guilty to both charges.

A provisional trial date has been set at Sheffield Crown Court for July 1.

Following the alleged incident, The Yorkshire Post set up a fundraising campaign to raise money to help Mr Bane purchase a new bike.

Friends of the grandfather have also rallied around him to help raise funds with one man taking part in a charity cycle ride from Retford to Dinnington on Saturday.

Mr Bane had his Giant FE2FS bike for more than three years and in that time he has cycled over 4,500 miles.

“My heart is bursting,” he said.

“I can’t believe the support, friendship and love that people have come out with.

“It’s not just my friends, it is people that i don’t even know. It’s just overwhelming.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, it really is ever so kind and I cannot thank you enough."

The 17-year-old boy will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on May 27.

He has been released on conditional bail.

To donate to The Yorkshire Post fundraising campaign, click here.