Essex driver swerves across bus lane into cyclist after he makes 'hand gesture'

Ford Mondeo drives off after knocking man to ground

A driver who swerved across a bus lane into a cyclist and knocked him to the ground has admitted dangerous driving.

Footage of the incident in Colchester, captured by a dashboard camera on a vehicle driving behind the car, has been released by Essex Police.

The Ford Mondeo braked heavily near the cyclist, who gestured towards the driver.

The car then swerved into the cyclist, a man in his 30s, causing him to fall off his bike.

He was taken to hospital after the incident, which happened at about midday on 13 May 2016, but was not seriously injured.

The car drove off and driver Ashley Merrett, 30, was arrested later that day.

Merrett, of Mumford Close, West Bergholt, Essex, admitted dangerous driving, causing actual bodily harm and common assault at Ipswich Crown Court, Essex Police said.

He appeared in court on 18 December and will be sentenced in February next year.