A van driver transporting blood for hospital patients has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for deliberately running over a cyclist during a road rage incident in south-east London, after the rider spat towards him.
Mark Okotie, 44, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. The incident occurred on New Cross Road, Lewisham, on March 20, 2024, during the evening rush hour.
The case has attracted attention among Nigerians and other communities in Britain, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of allowing anger to dictate actions on public roads.
According to reports, Okotie was driving a work van carrying blood products to a south London hospital when he moved into the left lane, coming dangerously close to the cyclist.
At the next traffic lights, the cyclist spat towards the van through the open driver’s window, prompting a violent response from Okotie.
Dashcam footage presented in court showed the driver sharply turning his steering wheel towards the cyclist, knocking him off his bicycle and sending him beneath two wheels of the van.
The victim, a man in his twenties, suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis and femur. He required surgery involving the insertion of metal plates and screws to repair the damage.
In a victim impact statement released by the Metropolitan Police, the cyclist said the injuries had prevented him from jogging and participating in other physical activities he previously enjoyed.
He also disclosed that hearing a van or large vehicle approaching while cycling could trigger panic, while the experience had made him more cautious around other people.
Sentencing Okotie, Recorder Neil Haythorne described the incident as an act of extreme road rage, telling him that he had caused serious injury in circumstances that appeared out of character.
The judge did not impose a driving ban, noting that Okotie had continued driving since the incident.
Defence barrister Mandisa Knights told the court that Okotie was a father of eight, had a young grandchild and mentored young people to steer them away from violence.
She described the incident as a momentary lapse in retaliation with grave consequences, adding that her client would have to confront the young people he had encouraged to make better choices.
Detective Inspector Steven Andrews said Okotie had been transporting blood intended for patients requiring potentially lifesaving treatment.
In a statement released by police, the victim said he is an active person but has been unable to go jogging and do other physical activities because of his injuries.
He said: “When I hear a van or a large vehicle coming up behind me when I’m cycling it can make me panic.”
