Suspended Prison Sentence For Watford FC Footballer's 'Road Rage' Attack On Cyclist

A Watford FC footballer involved in a "road rage" confrontation with a cyclist he pushed over after they collided at traffic lights - fracturing the rider's wrist - received a suspended prison sentence today.

Jamaican international Nyron Nosworthy, 33, of Gleneagle Road, Streatham, left the cyclist needing a full cast and up to a year of rehab after he complained about being knocked off his bike by the defendant.

The six-foot Brixton-born defender, who has also played five seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and represented Gillingham and Sheffield United, was driving a black 4x4 when the cyclist cut across the front of him.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting journalist Joe Minihane, causing him actual bodily harm, in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth on August 13, last year.

"Incidents of road rage are taken very seriously by the courts," said District Judge Karen Hammond. "This offence is so serious only a custodial sentence is justified.

"The recommendation of a fine or community order is not sufficient for an offence of road rage." 

Nosworthy was sentenced to forty-two days imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay Mr. Minihane £3,300 compensation.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Earl-Quarcoo told Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court: "The complainant was cycling on a pedal bike along the Kenington Road and as he turned right he felt a vehicle tap his wheel.

"This caused the bike to go out of control  and he shouted: 'Wanker' at the driver and the driver shouted back at the cyclist, stating that he had cut him up.

"The driver then drove in front of the cyclist and braked hard, causing the cyclist to brake, and as he tried to cycle past the driver got out shouting.

"He shouted: 'What the f***?' and lunged at the cyclist and shoved him with both hands, causing him to fall to the ground.

"Mr. Nosworthy got back into his car and drove off and the cyclist called the police."

Mr. Minihane attended Kings College Hospital, Camberwell where an MRI scan revealed a fracture to his right wrist, which needed a plaster cast and effected the victim's ability to work. 

Nosworthy attended Brixton Police Station on September 10 and Mr. Earl-Quarcoo added: "He fully admitted the offence, saying he was driving in Kenington Road when a cyclist was in the wrong lane and turned right.

"His car's bumper clipped the cyclist's rear wheel, he said, and they were both swearing at each other and he pushed the cyclist in the chest because he thought the cyclist was being an idiot.

"He said he did not mean to injure him and was sorry for what he had done."

Mr. Theo Addae, defending, told the court: "Mr. Nosworthy is a professional footballer for Watford and in August, last year he was injured and as a result was travelling to a physio in Oxford Circus."

The player had suffered a season-ending achilles injury while on international duty in March.

"He was near Lambeth Underground Station when the cyclist cut in front of Mr. Nosworthy's vehicle, causing a very slight collision.

"There was no shouting, no abuse from Mr. Nosworthy and it continued from the cyclist, he admits that."

The footballer claims he only got out of the car because he was a motorist involved in a collision. "He is met again with a barrage of abuse," added Mr. Addae.

"He pushes him once, once alone and ninety-nine times out of a hundred that push would have caused no injury.

"There is no long-term damage to the cyclist at all."

Urging the court not to pass a custodial sentence the lawyer added: "He has an exemplary record on and off the pitch and has been a consumate professional.

"He is a mentor to young members of the squad and to young players and has done talks with youth offending teams and at schools in Brixton and Peckham.

"He has taken time out of his career to assist youngsters with his story of beginning in inner city London and becoming an international footballer."

The court heard Nosworthy is in a long-term relationship and his girlfriend is expecting their first child in March.

He hopes to pursue a career in coaching when his playing days are over and is in the middle of passing the necessary badges.

"As a black coach he would be a positive role model."

References handed into the court described Nosworthy as: "A down to earth, loving, warm, funny, relaxed guy."