A shocking scene unfolded on a quiet residential street when a motorcyclist violently attacked a cyclist, mistaking him for something he wasn’t. The incident, captured on video released by authorities, shows the cyclist peacefully riding when a man abruptly pulls up alongside and delivers a brutal punch.
The cyclist, participating in a charity event, was knocked to the pavement, suffering cuts and abrasions. While thankfully avoiding a head injury, the impact left him with lasting pain and significantly impacted his mobility. He described a constant, unrelenting ache in his leg, hindering his daily life.
The attacker, identified as Lee Turnage, claimed he reacted to seeing nude cyclists – a sight he found deeply objectionable. He turned his uninsured motorbike around specifically to confront the rider, escalating a moment of personal distaste into a violent assault.
The victim’s statement revealed a profound disruption to his life. Simple activities became challenges, requiring the use of a walking stick and constant elevation of his swollen leg. Friends found themselves shifting from companionship to providing essential care.
But the violence didn’t end with the cyclist. Turnage later confronted police outside a pub, escalating the situation with a dangerous attack. He assaulted two officers, even slicing off a portion of one officer’s ear during the struggle.
Witnesses, including children, watched in horror as Turnage put an officer in a headlock, kicked them, and damaged their glasses. Another officer described being utterly terrified for her safety and the safety of her colleague as Turnage resisted arrest.
Evidence quickly mounted against Turnage, with a cyclist providing crucial footage of the initial assault. Police recovered his helmet and backpack from the pub, leading to the confrontation and subsequent attacks on the officers.
Turnage ultimately pleaded guilty to a string of charges, including dangerous driving, assault, and criminal damage. Despite the severity of his actions, he received a 14-month suspended sentence, owing to his previously unblemished record and family responsibilities.
The court ordered Turnage to complete rehabilitation programs, perform unpaid work, and pay substantial compensation to the cyclist. His driving license was also revoked, a consequence of his reckless and dangerous behavior.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a moment of judgment can spiral into violence, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars on those involved. It highlights the devastating consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of respecting the choices of others, even when they differ from our own.
