Cyclist jailed after knife attack on driver

Pointless trying to compare sentences without knowing the antecedents and any previous convictions of each offender.

Knifists need to put their house in order. Guys like this give responsible knife-users a bad name.

i hate the way we are all labelled as either car drivers, cyclists etc

anyone willing to carry a knife for the intent of using it as a weapon should be locked up for a lot longer than 8 months - 5 year minimum would soon make people think about.

Are the commenters comparing this guy to drivers who have killed cyclists being serious?

One is clearly a nutcase (he was carrying 2 blades, FFS!) who had the clear intent of maliciously wounding someone who had likely driven (and behaved) like a complete numbskull. That a death didn't occur is quite possibly just down to the driver being a bit handy with his fists. This is nothing short of road rage combined with the pre-meditation to be carrying not one but 2 deadly weapons.

The other is (by and large, clearly there are exceptions) generally an inconsiderate driver who whose complacency at the wheel leads them to think it's ok to call/text/close pass etc and who doesn't consider the safety of others. They often leave the scene and/or pass the blame even after killing someone, such is their level of selfishness.

I'd say both got off lightly, but intent is key here.

Kick their car? Ok fine, if you like that sort of thing.

Carry an offensive weapon? Don't bother!

So he stops the car, pulls out a craft knife, then a lock knife and also threatens members of the public!

Maximum sentence for just carrying a knife without good reason is 4 years plus a £5000 fine.

This person got off very lightly.

Who carries a stanley knife and a lock knife, nutter.

the bloke is clearly an idiot. shouldnt have threated him with a knife, he should have just jump in the nearest car and drove it at him...apparently that is acceptable.

We have the same problem with the drivers in Bulgaria and it's absolutely true that they never get punished for injuring cyclists. So this guy has reacted this way for a reason. RESPECT!

The guy obviously crossed the red-mist line, but then the driver actually got out of his car to confront him? Isn't that a little crazy too? I know what I'd be doing in the drivers place - doors locked, camera on.

With such a discrepancy in sentencing between drivers who kill cyclists and one cyclist who wields a knife at a driver who has no doubt driven like a dick, almost wants to make you take a few with you like this idiot, not least the moton who has just tried to kill you. Motons don't like it up 'em, but they are more than happy to run us over and take the risk of actually being caught and if so a fine or a short driving ban.

Christ I no way condone this cyclists actions but for crying out loud what did Gary McCourt get for Killing a Second Cyclist? A 5 year ban and 300 hours community service. You do really do get less for killing a cyclist, its almost like were fair game, Even the Justice system hates cyclists.

I want Mr Timothy Harrington to be my prosecuting lawyer if, god forbid, I'm on the receiving end of a car v bike altercation.

Sounds like Hassell is rather less of a cyclist and more like a junkie on his way to/from a hit, probably nicked the bike as well.

Regardless of what drivers have or have not done... this is no cyclist, he's clearly just a dick on a bike who needs to be put away before he does somebody some serious damage. 8 months doesn't sound long enough to me.

christ drivers that have killed cyclists have received less than that!