Van driver deliberately runs over cyclist while transporting blood to hospital - as he is jailed for three-and-a-half years

A van driver has been jailed for three-and-a-half years after deliberately running over a cyclist while transporting blood to hospital.

Sickening footage shows the van driver, Mark Okotie, speed up as he runs over the cyclist in Lewisham, London.

Okotie, 44, of Naylor Road, Southwark, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent at Woolwich Crown Court last week. 

Today, he was sentenced to three years and six months.  

The cyclist was taken to hospital with multiple fractures to his pelvis and suffered a fractured femur. 

He required surgery to insert metal fixings into his pelvis and leg. 

Witnesses saw a van swerve out of its lane and cross into the path of the cyclist before accelerating away. 

The cyclist was knocked off his bike and run over. 

A witness said that they believed the driver had tried to kill the cyclist. 

In a victim statement, the cyclist said that the attack had made them 'more cautious of people'. 

The cyclist said: 'Before the incident I was social, I would go out and meet people and mingle. Now I try to avoid people when I am out and about, when I am in a group of people I don’t really know I now tend to keep myself to myself.

'I used to go jogging every morning before work but I've not been able to do that since.

'When I hear a van or a large vehicle coming up behind me when I'm cycling it can make me panic. 

'Looking forwards to the future, the incident will continue to have an impact on the things I used to do on a daily basis like running and certain exercise.'

Detective Inspector Steven Andrews, who led the investigation, said: 'Okotie was driving a vehicle carrying blood destined for hospital patients in need. Instead of continuing a journey intended to support potentially lifesaving treatment, he chose to place someone else's life at risk.

'We acted quickly to secure and review extensive dashcam and CCTV footage, while obtaining crucial witness evidence from those who saw the incident unfold. That meticulous investigative work allowed us to build a clear picture of events, leaving no doubt about Okotie's culpability.

'I hope this sentence provides a measure of justice for the victim and demonstrates that deliberate acts of violence on London roads will be robustly investigated and prosecuted.'