Cambridge Independent Press 26 Nov 1909: Augustus Hacon negligent riding of bicycle

Damages for Personal Injuries.

James Fordham, house-painter, of 15, Broad-street, sued A. C. Hacon, of the Red Lion, Trumpington, for damages for personal injuries received from the alleged negligent and careless riding of a bicycle by defendant on East-road on September 11th, whereby plaintiff was knocked down and severely bruised, and Mr. Miller defended.

Mr. Pryor, in opening the case, said that the plaintiff was crossing the road from Dover-hill to Broad-street, where there was a tram stationary. Plaintiff looked up and down the road, and proceeded to cross in the rear of the tram, and when he had just cleared the tram lines on the Broad-street side he was run into by defendant with considerable force. The front wheel of the bicycle struck defendant on the inside of the left knee, and the handle-bars struck him on the chest, knocking him into the tram, from whence he dropped into the road. Defendant most improperly, as soon as he could get his bicycle clear, apparently proceeded to mount it with the intention of riding off, but the people called out to defendant for his name and address. Defendant was riding off, and looked back and called out “Red Lion, Trumpington.” Plaintiff was taken home, and Dr. Burns was called in.

Plaintiff gave evidence bearing out the statements of his counsel, and said that defendant did not ring his bell, or he would have had plenty of room to get out of the way. He saw defendant ten days after the accident. Defendant said that he was sorry. Plaintiff pointed out that if he had rung his bell it would have been all right, but defendant said that he had been in the police force, and knew all about the matter, and was not compelled to ring his bell. Plaintiff explained the injuries he had received, and said that he was still suffering from the effects of the accident. Defendant offered him 5s., but he told him that he could not take it.

Dr. Burns, of Mill-road, stated that on September 11th he was called to the plaintiff, and examined him. Witness described the injuries, which consisted chiefly of bruising. There was no permanent trouble.

Dr. F. E. Apthorpe Webb, called for the defence to give evidence so that he might not be delayed at the Court, stated that he examined the plaintiff on October 28th, but found no sign of injury to the chest. Plaintiff complained of pain in the chest, but after careful examination witness came to the conclusion that the pain was simple dyspepsia.

James G. Merry, labourer, of Broad-street, stated that he was standing at the corner of Broad-street, and saw the accident. Defendant was cycling at 11 or 12 miles an hour, and did not ring his bell. Directly after the accident defendant got on his bicycle to ride away. The people who were round asked him his name, and he replied “Red Lion, Trumpington.”

Edward Hawkes, 83, Norwich-street, conductor in the employ of the Tramway Company, said that defendant was travelling at about 12 or 13 miles an hour. Defendant did not ring his bell.

Mrs Rose Fordham, of 3, James-cottages, stated that she was at the plaintiff’s house when defendant was there and said that he was not compelled to ring his bell. She told him she thought he was, and he said, “Shut up. I am not talking to you.”

This closed the case for the plaintiff.

Defendant then gave evidence on oath. He said that on the evening in question he was returning with two companions from the gasworks, where they had been playing quoits. He was riding behind his companions, on his right side of the road. When he approached the tram he rang his bell. Plaintiff came out from behind the tram within a yard of him, and defendant did all that was possible to avoid him. He jumped off his bicycle and did not touch the plaintiff until he was off the machine. He gave plaintiff his name and address.

Alfred Morley, tram conductor, Walter Wm. Francis, grocer, of East-road, Francis Wm. Stearn, of York-street, and Walter Wedd, of Trumpington, gave corroborative evidence.

His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff for £8 14s.