Foster’s Daily Democrat: Hampton man who swerved truck toward bicyclist in June is sentenced
By Charles McMahon
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
PORTSMOUTH — A Hampton man accused of swerving at a bicyclist along Lafayette Road in June received suspended jail time, community service and a fine by pleading guilty to related charges Monday.
Michael Walker, 21, of 33 Hemlock Haven, was given 30 days of suspended jail time, $620 in fines and 25 hours of community service for his role in the June 30 road rage incident in the area of 2460 Lafayette Road
In exchange for his guilty plea to class A misdemeanor charges of criminal threatening and attempted simple assault along with a violation for negligent driving, the prosecution dropped charges of reckless conduct and two violation-level counts of disorderly conduct.
By pleading guilty, Walker admitted to swerving his black Chevrolet truck at the direction of the bicyclist and then after stopping and exiting, running toward the cyclist while yelling and swinging his arms in a threatening manner.
Prosecutor Rena DiLando told the court Walker’s actions caused the cyclist to lose his balance and fall from his bicycle. She said the punishment was determined after much input from the victim, who happened to be a member of the U.S. military.
