‘Months went by before police did anything’

Mar 12 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

SOUTH Wales Police have launched an inquiry into how it took more than seven months to prosecute an alleged hit-and-run driver.

Cyclist Gerald Stevens claims he was left lying in the middle of a busy road with a bruised back and shoulders after apparently knocked off his bike by a car.

The father of three, who runs a plumbing training centre at Capital Business Park, Wentloog, Cardiff, complained to police after the driver of a black Fiat Punto allegedly drove off without checking if Mr Stevens was hurt.

But 45-year-old Mr Stevens, of Coed y Cwm, Pontypridd, said no action was taken for months and he feared the driver might escape prosecution altogether.

He said: “To say it has been a catalogue of errors is an understatement.

“I’ve made about 30 phone calls since the accident. I thought a hit-and-run was a serious offence, no matter what the injuries.”

Cardiff’s top policeman today demanded an explanation for the delay. Divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Josh Jones, said: “Officers in Cardiff take great pride in the service they provide to the public.

“It would cause us great concern if we have let the victim down on this occasion. We are looking at the circumstances and will be making personal contact with Mr Stevens.”

The alleged accident happened as Mr Stevens rode to work down Colchester Avenue, Penylan, Cardiff, last July.

According to Mr Stevens, as he cycled past the turning into Ipswich Road, just before the Newport Road junction, a black Fiat Punto turned across his bicycle and sent him sprawling.

Mr Stevens said: “He turned into me, I didn’t have a chance. I got up quickly so I wouldn’t get run over but by then he’d gone.”

Witnesses provided officers with the car’s registration and a description of the driver. Mr Stevens was told officers contacted the driver, but then heard nothing.

It is understood a man has now been summonsed to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

ben.glaze@mediawales.co.uk