A motorist who left a cyclist with a traumatic brain injury after a road rage attack in Edinburgh has avoided a prison sentence.
Joseph Hedley, 39, attacked Iain Brown at the Cowgate on 20 September 2024, grabbing him by the throat and throwing him to the ground. Mr Brown was left unconscious in the road as Hedley and his partner drove away.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that the cyclist suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain before being taken to hospital for emergency treatment. Medics at the city’s Royal Infirmary considered the injuries to have been “very much to the potential of danger to Mr Brown’s life”.
The assault was recorded on a mobile phone and footage was posted on social media. Hedley, from Kirkcaldy, handed himself in to police after a public appeal to trace him.
He had previously pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of life. His solicitor, Calum Turner, told the court Hedley “did not intend to inflict the injuries Mr Brown suffered” and had not driven since the incident.
Mr Turner said the confrontation followed the cyclist shouting abuse at the driver and passengers and shining a safety light into the car. He said one of the passengers had suffered a seizure, prompting Hedley to leave the vehicle and confront Mr Brown.
Sheriff Fergus Thomson said Hedley had inflicted “significant injuries” but imposed an alternative to custody “by the narrowest of margins”.
Hedley was given a two-year supervision order. He must also wear an electronic tag and remain at his home address between 7pm and 7am for the next 12 months.
After the sentencing, Faith Currie, procurator fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, said: “The actions of Joseph Hedley were horrific and shocking and could easily have had more devastating consequences. But he has now been brought fully to account for his crimes.”
