Hampshire E-Scooter Rider Jumped Red Light, Smashed Woman's Skull and Fled Scene

A Hampshire e-scooter rider jumped a red light, caused serious head injuries to woman and fled the scene seemingly without a care in the world.

I am absolutely incensed reading this story, so apologies if that is reflected in my words below. I am only human.

Joseph Pedelty, 34, of Anne Crescent, Waterlooville, admitted the following offences at a previous hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court:

• Causing serious injury by careless driving: An offence under section 2C of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which has a maximum sentence of 2 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment; 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction;
• Failing to stop after an accident: An offence under section 170(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which has a maximum sentence of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction;
• Driving without insurance: An offence under section 143(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which has a maximum sentence of a fine at level 5 (unlimited) - read more about driving without insurance. 
• Contravening a red traffic light: An offence under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which has a maximum sentence of a fine at level 3 (£1,000).

He was sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024.

Magistrates heard that the collision happened on Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, on the afternoon of Sunday, 14th January 2024.

Dash cam footage caught the moment Pedelty, who was convicted of drink driving back in 2021, rode his scooter through a red light light and straight into veterinary surgeon Raquel Delgado-Calo, who was using the pedestrian crossing.

Pedelty, who was thrown from his scooter, spent a moment dusting himself down before riding off from the scene, seemingly without a care in the world for the welfare of the seriously injured vet.

Ms Delgado-Calo was hospitalised for three days, took three weeks off work and suffered dizziness and the effects of concussion for months afterwards. In a victim personal statement, she told the court that she has ongoing anxiety about crossing the road.

Roni Pittman, mitigating, told the court that her client "did not see the seriousness of the incident at the time".

She added that he was "shocked and horrified" to hear about the injuries that Ms Delgado-Calo sustained and handed himself into the police as soon as he saw an appeal for information.

Ms Pittman concluded that Pedelty "accepts his actions" during the collision.

Magistrates were of the view that Pedelty's offences, when considered in the round, were serious enough to merit a community order.

He was sentenced to an 18-month community order with the requirements that he completes up to 20 days' rehabilitation activity and a 6-months' alcohol treatment.

He was also disqualified from driving for a period of 18 months.

It is not mentioned in reports, but ordinarily he would have had to pay prosecution costs (£85 for an early guilty plea) and surcharge (£114 for a community order). It is also highly likely he was ordered to pay compensation to Ms Delgado-Calo.

Right, here goes - hold on tight. I am absolutely furious reading this case.

From the dash cam footage it is abundantly clear that the traffic lights were red for several seconds before Pedelty rode through them. This was not a case of amber gambling. The car with the dash cam was clearly slowing down as it approached the red light, but Pedelty kept going at the same speed in total disregard of the signal before him.

Despite his apparent remorse now, it is pretty clear that he had no intention of stopping and deliberately rode through the red light - that is clearly very dangerous riding, which falls far below the standard of a careful and competent driver. It would also be very obvious to a careful and competent driver that such a manner of driving did fall far below the standard required. Ms Delgrado-Calo has clearly sustained injuries falling within the scope of grievous bodily harm.

All these factors considered, I am at a loss as to why this hasn't been charged as causing serious injury by dangerous driving instead of careless driving.

As for Pedelty handing himself in as soon as he saw the police appeal, well he didn't exactly have a lot of choice did he? The image was pretty clear and he was bound to be recognised. It was to his clear advantage to turn himself in before the police came knocking.

I'd also note that the appeal was a whole month after the collision took place. It's not as if during those intervening weeks he's had a pang of conscience and decided to go to the police unprompted.

As if the circumstances aren't horrific enough, we also learn that Pedelty has previous convictions for disregarding of the rules of the road. He's clearly the sort of chap who thinks he can just do whatever he likes.

Given the circumstances, I think he can consider himself pretty lucky that he's ended up with only a community order. I think most Benches, irrespective of the contents of any pre-sentence report, wouldn't have batted an eyelid about sending him to prison.

Pedelty's sentence will be served in 18 months, but Ms Delgrado-Calo's physical and mental injuries may well persist for a lot longer.