Dundee man jailed for vicious assault on elderly cyclist

A Dundee man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after brutally assaulting a 72-year-old cyclist, leaving the man with a fractured eye socket and cheekbone.

Graeme Brankin chased fellow rider Keith Walker for around a mile, according to the Dundee Evening Telegraph, following an altercation on the High Street over who had the right of way.

The jury at Dundee Sheriff’s Court heard how Mr Walker cycled off but sensed Brankin behind him. Another argument ensued before Brankin struck the pensioner, causing him to fall from his bicycle.

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Mr Walker reportedly needed three metal plates inserting into his face as a result; Brankin simply cycled away from the scene.

Eleven months later, Brankin assaulted another cyclist in an almost identical attack. Alistair Bruce was assaulted by Brankin while cycling through a park and was struck three times, leaving him unconscious.

The jury needed less than 30 minutes to find Brankin guilty of assaulting Mr Walker and Mr Bruce.

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Larry Flynn, defending Brankin, said: "He has been undergoing anger management courses in prison and is aware that these are matters that he requires to address.

"He accepts he didn't deal with matters as he should have."

Sheriff George Way, when jailing Brankin for 30 months, said: "You say it wasn't you that carried out the offences against Mr Walker - but the jury found you guilty.

"It was a very serious assault on an elderly man which had very serious consequences. A custodial sentence is justly merited."