Cyclist suing dog owner for fifty thousand

A CYCLIST who went over the handlebars of his bike when a dog ran in front of him is suing the animal's owner for £50,000.

 

Publishing executive David Crane was on his way to work in March 2016 cycling across Acton Green Common, West London, when Carina Read's cocker spaniel, Felix, ran across his path while chasing a ball.

 

Mr Crane, 70, said that whilst braking hard to avoid the dog he flew over the handlebars and hit his head, suffering a concussion, a brain haemorrhage and seizure. He is now suing Irish-born investment banker Ms Read, saying his injuries have affected his memory and concentration, left him plagued by headaches, impaired his sense of taste and smell, and reduced his ability to hear in his left ear.

 

48-year-old Ms Read said she did her best to warn Mr Crane by shouting at him as he "sped" down the path. Mr Crane insisted he was riding at no more than 5mph because, "I was very overweight and cycling fast was not something I did". He also told Central London County Court that he was "18 stone at the time". The cyclist also denied having struck Felix with his wheel.

 

Ms Read claimed the accident was a "freak occurrence" and denied suggestions that she did not have the cocker spaniel under proper control. Her lawyers also claim he should not have been cycling across the path as it was barred by a by-law and on that morning the common was frequented by "dogs, their owners, pedestrians and the occasional cyclist".

 

Mr Crane is also suing Ms Read under the 1971 Animals Act, but her lawyers say the act only relates to damage done by a dangerous animal, and that the Cocker Spaniel is not considered dangerous. Barrister Nigel Lewers said, "Felix was not dangerous. He was running to catch a ball which he momentarily knocked off course into Mr Crane's path."

 

The case has been adjourned and will return at a later date for the barristers' final submissions.

 

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham