British Transport Police officer guilty of dangerous driving which left singer with 'catastrophic injuries'

 
Guilty: British Transport Police officer Pc David Lynch Pic: PA
Pic: PA
23 August 2012
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A British Transport Police officer has been found guilty of driving dangerously at more than twice the speed limit when his van hit a cyclist in east London, leaving him with "catastrophic injuries".

Pc David Lynch, 31, from Hertfordshire, was driving the marked police vehicle at speeds of up to 68mph in a 30mph zone as it approached a hump-backed bridge in Hackney, east London.

The vehicle hit singer-songwriter Joseph Belmonte, who was travelling in the same direction ahead of the officer.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the vehicle "taking off" and all four wheels leaving the ground as it crashed into the 31-year-old on March 31 last year.

At Southwark Crown Court today, Judge Pegden said the accident had ruined the career of the music artist, who was still in constant pain following the incident.

The promising young star underwent major surgery to correct three breaks to his spine as well as facial surgery which could have affected his singing ability.

He has also been left with a brain injury which leaves him "fumbling for words" and unable to remember lyrics to his own songs.

Prosecutor Sam Brown told the court that Mr Belmonte had to learn both how to walk again and how to play the guitar.

A statement he read out on behalf of Mr Belmonte said: "I can't really explain the effect it has had on my life. I am very depressed at the reality that I will never be the same person again.

"I miss my life as it was before."

Mr Belmonte, who was not wearing a helmet, was cycling to his girlfriend's house in Newington Green, north London, and had travelled the route on many occasions before, the court heard.

Lynch and his passenger, Pc Gary Thomas, were on their way to an incident in the Old Street area of east London when the collision happened on Queensbridge Road in Hackney on what was a dry and bright, sunny day.

Judge Pegden said: "The injuries are of a most catastrophic nature, he has really suffered life-changing injuries.

"He was a singer and songwriter whose career has been ruined."

Speaking after the case, Christine Tallon, partner at Leigh Day and Co personal injury law firm representing Mr Belmonte, said: "It is more through sheer luck than judgment that Pc Lynch has not been in court facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

"The actions of Pc Lynch have left Mr Belmonte with life-changing injuries from which he continues to suffer.

"He was on the brink of making his musical breakthrough with his debut album at the time of the incident. He remains a talented young musician and is fighting hard to get his career and his life back on track."

Lynch, of Comfrey Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, had previously admitted careless driving but denied the more serious charge of dangerous driving.

Sentencing was adjourned until October. Judge Pegden warned Lynch to expect a custodial sentence.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "This dreadful incident caused serious injury and our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Belmonte, who is still recovering.

"BTP trains all those trusted to drive police vehicles to the highest standard and to drive safely, even when responding to emergency calls.

"On this occasion we fell short of the standards expected and fully acknowledge the immeasurable impact and effect this has had on Mr Belmonte and his family.

"The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who carried out a managed investigation."

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