A MOTORCYCLIST who seriously injured a cyclist in a collision in Bexhill then fled the scene has been jailed and disqualified from driving.

Reece Ripley, 21, unemployed, of no fixed address, was riding a green Kawasaki eastbound along De La Warr Parade when he clipped the front wheel of a bicycle being pushed across the road.

This caused him to fall from his vehicle, which continued across the road and into the path of another cyclist travelling in the opposite direction.

The 50-year-old victim sustained serious injuries which required emergency surgery.

It is understood he is still recovering from these injuries.

Following the incident, which occurred just after 10am on June 1, Ripley made off from the scene and later returned on a bicycle.

He was pursued by a police officer, who borrowed a bicycle from a member of the public, and arrested.

Ripley appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 3, charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, and driving with no insurance.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 1 July for sentencing.

There, he was sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three years.

The Argus: Reece Ripley has been jailed for three years Reece Ripley has been jailed for three years

Detective inspector Sue Neilson, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Witnesses described Ripley travelling far in excess of the 30mph speed limit when this incident occurred.

"He then made off from the scene and took no responsibility for his actions, which seriously injured an innocent member of the public.

“We welcome careful and considerate driving and riding in Sussex, but there is no place for driving or riding which is antisocial or dangerous.

"As demonstrated here, this selfish behaviour can result in serious injuries or death, and it will not be tolerated on our roads.”

To report an incident of dangerous or antisocial driving, visit the Operation Crackdown website. In an emergency, call 999.