A van driver who was delivering blood to a hospital deliberately knocked a cyclist off his bike after the rider spat at him, a court has heard. Mark Okotie, 44, was jailed after the incident during rush hour on the evening of March 20, 2024, in New Cross Road, Lewisham.
Incident and Conviction
Woolwich Crown Court heard that Okotie was delivering blood products to a south London hospital when he moved his van into the left lane 'seemingly without looking', coming close to the man on his bike. At the next set of traffic lights, the cyclist spat in Okotie's direction, and the court heard it 'went through the open driver's window'. Dashcam footage from inside the van shows Okotie turning the steering wheel sharply to run over the cyclist, causing the man to go under two wheels of the vehicle.
Okotie, of Naylor Road in Southwark, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at the end of a trial earlier this month. He was sentenced to three years and six months' imprisonment on Tuesday. The court heard that the victim needed 'numerous screws and plates' in his pelvis and femur after suffering several fractures.
Background and Sentencing
Defence barrister Mandisa Knights said Okotie, a father of eight with a one-year-old grandchild, works with young people 'to prevent them from entering a world of violence', which he was exposed to as a young man. She said: 'Unfortunately on this occasion, (he) departed so drastically from the man that he is. This is a man who stands not only at the centre of his family but the centre of his community.' She added: 'A momentary relapse in retaliation has led him to these grave consequences.'
Knights told the court: 'Mr Okotie has to re-enter his community, the boys that he has mentored and has shown that there is a different path, and look them in the eye and say I have done this.' Sentencing, Recorder Neil Haythorne said: 'In a moment of extreme road rage, which appears entirely out of character from what I have heard about you, you caused serious injury to a cyclist. You used the van as a highly dangerous weapon.' The judge did not disqualify Okotie from driving, noting that he has been driving for the last two and a half years since the incident.
Victim Impact and Police Response
In a statement released by police, the victim said he is an active person but has been unable to go jogging and do other physical activities because of his injuries. He said: 'When I hear a van or a large vehicle coming up behind me when I'm cycling, it can make me panic.' Detective Inspector Steven Andrews, from the Met Police, said: 'Okotie was driving a vehicle carrying blood destined for hospital patients in need. Instead of continuing a journey intended to support potentially lifesaving treatment, he chose to place someone else's life at risk.' Andrews added: 'I hope this sentence provides a measure of justice for the victim and demonstrates that deliberate acts of violence on London roads will be robustly investigated and prosecuted.'
