Mark Okotie, USA News (London): A van driver who deliberately ran over a cyclist has been jailed for more than three years, but spared a driving ban. Mark Okotie, 44, was delivering blood products to a south London hospital in March 2024 when he became embroiled in a road rage row.
Woolwich Crown Court heard how Okotie had moved his van into the left lane seemingly without looking, and came close to the male cyclist on New Cross Road. At the following set of traffic lights, the cyclist then spat in Okotie’s direction, which went through his open window.
Horrifying footage of the incident then shows Okotie speeding up towards the cyclist before colliding with him. Internal dashcam footage shows the driver’s face with almost no reaction as his vehicle drives over the cyclist’s body. Following the collision, the cyclist was taken to hospital with multiple fractures to his pelvis and suffered a fractured femur. He required an operation to insert numerous screws and plates into his pelvis and leg.
In a victim impact statement, the cyclist told the court that the attack had made him more cautious of people. He said before the incident he was social, would go out and meet people, and mingle, but now tries to avoid people when he is out and about. He added that he used to go jogging every morning before work but has not been able to do that since, and that hearing a van or large vehicle coming up behind him when cycling can make him panic.
Court Sentencing and Investigation Details
Okotie, a father of eight children, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and sentenced to three years and six months in prison. However, no driving ban was issued.
Sentencing Okotie, Recorder Neil Haythorne said that in a moment of extreme road rage, which appeared entirely out of character from what he had heard, Okotie caused serious injury to a cyclist and used the van as a highly dangerous weapon. Okotie’s defence barrister stated that he works with young people to prevent them from entering a world of violence, which he was exposed to as a young man.
Detective Inspector Steven Andrews, who led the investigation, noted that Okotie was driving a vehicle carrying blood destined for hospital patients in need. Andrews stated that instead of continuing a journey intended to support potentially lifesaving treatment, Okotie chose to place someone else’s life at risk, and commended the meticulous investigative work involving extensive dashcam and CCTV footage.
