Cyclist Denies Road Rage Assault

A cyclist arrested after a road rage row with a motorist claimed he was the victim when he appeared in court accused of assaulting the driver.

Kieran Hess, 32, of Limerick Close, Balham was making his first appearance at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court.

He is charged with assaulting Ishak Mohammed, by beating, in Lambeth Palace Road on September 12.

Hess has conceded he pushed the complainant back into his car, but insists this was to protect himself from the driver's aggression.

“I acted in self-defence when I thought he was going to punch me,” he told the court from the dock. “I was the one that was grabbed and punched.”

The court heard Mr. Mohammed's vehicle reversed into Hess, who then walked around to talk to talk to him.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and will return for a trial on December 5.