Murder accused says he mistimed swerve at cyclist

A man accused of murdering a cyclist has denied claims from prosecutors that he used his Mercedes sports car "as a weapon".

Richard Smith, 50, died after he was knocked off his bike while cycling home from work in Norwich on 8 May.

David Morgan told his trial at Norwich Crown Court that he had "no intention of hitting or hurting" him and that he "wanted to intimidate him".

The 40-year-old, of George Winter Court, Norwich, denies murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On the fifth day of his trial, Morgan told the jury he was "annoyed" after Smith came into contact with his car.

While in Chartwell Road, he said he tried to swerve in front of Smith but "misjudged his timing".

The father-of-three died three days later in hospital from head injuries.

"I had no intention of getting him, I just wanted to annoy him," Morgan said.

He said he was "95% certain" his car did not hit Smith and that was why he did not stop at the scene. Morgan's two children were in the car at the time.

Morgan said his emotions were heightened because he was due to attend a funeral for a close family member the following day.

He also admitted to having five or six pints of beer.

Charles Myatt, prosecuting, questioned why Morgan gave at least seven or eight different accounts since the incident and asked if he had "lied".

That included a conversation believed to be with his father captured on CCTV shortly after the collision.

Morgan could be heard describing how he swerved "into him" after becoming angry that Smith had hit his car.

Afterwards, during conversations with police over the phone while they were trying to locate him, Morgan said: "I ain't done nothing wrong, I do not see why I should be hounded by the Old Bill."

Asked about those different accounts, Morgan also said he was "under the influence of drugs".

Earlier in the trial, the court heard he tested positive for cocaine at the roadside during his arrest.

Josh Normanton, for the defence, also read out a written statement from Morgan's deceased older brother Steven Morgan, given before his death in July.

Steven Morgan recounted a phone conversation he had with David Morgan directly after the incident, claiming he had asked if he would "get into trouble" and described "swerving at [Smith] and he fell off".

The trial continues.

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