London fixed-gear cyclist Charlie Alliston cleared of manslaughter of pedestrian Kim Briggs

A London cyclist has been cleared of the manslaughter of pedestrian Kim Briggs, who died from injuries sustained when the pair collided as she crossed Old Street in February last year.

However, a jury at the Old Bailey found Charlie Alliston guilty of a separate charge of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving.

The maximum sentence is two years' imprisonment, and the judge presiding over the case has warned him that "He shouldn't be under any illusion" that she is considering a custodial term when he is sentenced next month.

The 20-year-old from Bermondsey had pleaded not guilty to both charges at the start of his trial last week.

Much of the prosecution's case had been built around the fact that Alliston has been riding a fixed-gear bike at the time of the collision that led to the death of Mrs Briggs, a 44-year-old HR consultant and mother-of-two.

Alliston admitted during the trial that the bike, which he had bought second-hand the previous month, had not been fitted with a front brake to make it legal for use on the road and claimed he was unaware that it was required by law.

The jury began its deliberations on Monday afternoon, and were today directed by Judge Wendy Joseph QC that a majority verdict would be acceptable.

She said: "The  time has now come when I can accept a verdict which is not the verdict of you all. I can accept a verdict on which all 12 are agreed, on which 11 are agreed or 10 of you are agreed, but nothing less will do."

In a statement released via Twitter after the verdicts were announced, Cycling UK said: “Riding a fixed wheel bike on busy roads without a front brake is illegal, stupid, and endangers other road users, especially pedestrians.”

However, the charity called for the government to complete its review, announced three years ago, of road traffic offences and penalties to ensure they are brought up to date and that there is consistency in the way the legal system deals with dangerous behaviour on the roads.

Verdict in for Charlie #Alliston case - guilty of "wanton and furious driving" but cleared of manslaughter. Cycling UK's reaction below. pic.twitter.com/kTIATyp2ST

— Cycling UK (@WeAreCyclingUK) August 23, 2017

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden, of the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, commented: "This is a sad case where a bicycle that was illegal for road use has been used on London's streets. The lack of a front brake resulted in Alliston's inability to stop and avoid the collision resulting in the tragic death of Kim Briggs.

"This investigation has highlighted the necessity for all cyclists to have the required brakes on their bikes, whether they be a fixed wheel or free wheeling hub cycle," she added.

"It should act as a reminder to all road users that they have a responsibility to look out for each other and to travel safely at all times."