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Assault by MTBer in...
 

Assault by MTBer in Devon - police looking for this person

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I used to enjoy the challenge of trying to karate kick a Great Dane in the head, but as I'm getting older and less flexible, I have to settle for Shih Tzus....


 
Posted : 31/07/2022 9:09 pm
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Would checking Strava on the days in question not be a good place for the police to start?


 
Posted : 31/07/2022 9:53 pm
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Would be a start and the person who presumably knew they were involved in a criminal act would not be loading that ride that day but if they did then could be into psycho category so could catch someone before they do worse.
Attacking animals and then a person doesn't bode well for the future acts of that person (if they did it)


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 7:43 am
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From the pic, i think its towards the bottom of waterwell lane, which is definitely bridleway, might even be a byway come to think of it.. Doesn't make assault any less wrong tho.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 10:54 am
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The woman in her sixties who had just been kicked to the ground and seriously injured her shoulder and was presumably doing her best to keep her dogs under control at the same time was remarkably collected to get that pic.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 11:13 am
 csb
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I think the photo was taken at a different time and then presumably identified as the suspect by the original victim.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 11:44 am
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I think the photo was taken at a different time and then presumably identified as the suspect by the original victim.

How have you worked that out? If you are correct, we could be looking at completely the wrong person.

But I thought this, as well:

The woman in her sixties who had just been kicked to the ground and seriously injured her shoulder and was presumably doing her best to keep her dogs under control at the same time was remarkably collected to get that pic.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 12:14 pm
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How have you worked that out?

If it was her taking the picture I think it would state that rather than just might be connected to.
So would assume its a photo taken by someone else possibly a few minutes before/after the incident but not at the actual time/place.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 12:25 pm
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If it was her taking the picture I think it would state that rather than just might be connected to.
So would assume its a photo taken by someone else possibly a few minutes before/after the incident but not at the actual time/place.

Yeah, it crossed my mind as well. I was trying to spot some clues about the time of year in the pic - is that garlic I can see on the sides? That tends to be producing flowers in late April so you may be right that there was someone else there.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 12:32 pm
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I’m guessing it’s because you don’t cycle much, or know many people that do…

And I’m guessing you don’t know what you are talking about, and have no idea how many miles a year I do, nor whether I’m an active member of a popular local cycling club.

Am I correct?


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 12:48 pm
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The woman in her sixties who had just been kicked to the ground and seriously injured her shoulder and was presumably doing her best to keep her dogs under control at the same time was remarkably collected to get that pic.

She may have taken the pic prior to the alleged assault.

It may have been what prompted the alleged assault.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 1:22 pm
 mert
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…and who has been involved in previous incidents with other dog owners….

Allegedly, could be a completely different lycra glad hooligan, or group of hooligans.

presumably knew they were involved in a criminal act

Are we talking about the dog walker with her dangerously out of comtrol dogs waving her stick about, or the bloke on the bike?

You are aware of the issues between the militant pensioners division of the redsocks brigade and anyone riding a bike in their precious countryside?

I have not seen one comment regarding reporting a dog bite to the police in this whole thread

I have, several times, absolutely sweet FA has been done, other than one farmer who got a visit (his dogs had bitten several people over the years), no one could identify which of the dozen or so near identical collies had done it, so no further action (i reckon they were all horrendously inbred, hence the behavioural issues).


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 1:30 pm
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Your quote was completed by this bit of the sentence below mert.

...surely if you can identify the dog/ owner then that is the way to go,

Unless the dog has come bolting out of a property, like yours presumably did, it's going to be a bit tricky to identify someone. No chance an irate dog owner is going to volunteer their name to a cyclist that's arguing with them about being bitten.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 1:45 pm
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…and who has been involved in previous incidents with other dog owners….

I often can't recognise people I know when they wear a helmet and sunglasses.

It could well be the same guy 3 times, could just as easily be 3 different guys riding silver MTBs.
Either way I hope it gets resolved.

I'm only surprised it's not bigger news. Cyclist does bad thing usually goes national.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 1:50 pm
 kcal
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@IdleJon -- I got bitten by a well out of control dog - my mate took pictures of dog, bite and escorted me straight to A&E, once we got there it was immediately reported to police - who came to A&E to collect details.

The owner was eventually fined IIRC £150. Well, made to give me that as compo. I donated it to SSPCA as the dog looked pretty ill-treated TBH. "First time she's done that" the owner said in defence. Hm

About 2 years later, my mate texted me to get the dog's name if I recalled it - which I did - yes, he'd been bitten by the same dog..


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 2:12 pm
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wow, seems some strange responses to someone being attacked. even more strange is the amount of people that have been attacked by dogs and then people that have actually kicked a dog!

how on earth do you get into these situations?


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 3:13 pm
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@Walleater if they're M950's then it's someone on Retrobike 😀


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 3:14 pm
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even more strange is the amount of people that have been attacked by dogs and then people that have actually kicked a dog!

Yeah weird that we'd put ourselves in such a strange place that we'd be in danger of being bitten. For me, it was the ridiculous notion of riding the marked MTB tracks in the local woods. I know that's completely out there, and I shouldn't have strayed away from the tarmac... 😀


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 3:20 pm
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how on earth do you get into these situations?

By cycling along, or even just walking, near an excitable uncontrolled dog?

Granted it doesn't happen that often but with the amount of people on this forum the relatively few times it HAS happened over the years will seem like a lot when concentrated into this thread.

Personally I always go slow near dogs because you can never tell when they'll go nuts at the sight of a bike (rarely in my experience, and even then it's manageable).

Worst for me was once when out riding I came across a massive dog wandering alone, no owner in sight. It went for me on sight, running flat out and barking! Chased me for a good while across the fields, bloody terrifying.
Maybe the best way to handle it would have been to have stopped, but I wasn't taking that chance at the time!


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 3:26 pm
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Can I ask why a thread about someone who has allegedly assaulted a person is now all about people being bitten by dogs? Especially as there is nothing at all in the story about the bloke actually being bitten by a dog.
Reminds me of stories reporting someone being knocked off a bike & all the comments underneath are about cyclists jumping red lights.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 4:34 pm
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wow, seems some strange responses to someone being attacked. even more strange is the amount of people that have been attacked by dogs and then people that have actually kicked a dog!

how on earth do you get into these situations?

Being "selfish" and not wearing a mask?


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 4:41 pm
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Can I ask why a thread about someone who has allegedly assaulted a person is now all about people being bitten by dogs? Especially as there is nothing at all in the story about the bloke actually being bitten by a dog.
Reminds me of stories reporting someone being knocked off a bike & all the comments underneath are about cyclists jumping red lights.

I think its because it's a bit of a one sided 'story' and the key bit is its still "alleged".
So in the absence of a conclusion/outcome people will just project their own experiences/gripes onto someone else's situation.

My own feeling is that if the woman in question felt the need to report it, then it was probably a serious incident. However much she embellished or omitted from her account, I guess we'll never know, but I doubt she made the whole event up. I doubt the individual in question is going to identify themselves voluntarily, and if the police are given a name what can they really do?
It seems there's little actual evidence just personal accounts of an apparently objectionable arse on a bicycle being rude and kicking Dogs (And occasionally an older lady).
It'll just end up as one persons word against the others...

All you can really conclude is that some people are bellends, irrespective of their chosen pastimes.
But it's also worth remembering most people are still decent, I went for a ride last night everyone I passed was pleasant and I reciprocated, unfortunately that kind of thing doesn't make the news...


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 4:57 pm
 mert
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Especially as there is nothing at all in the story about the bloke actually being bitten by a dog.

Because generally speaking people don't assault old ladies for absolutely no reason at all.
There is a HUGE chunk of missing information and what transpired before she was assaulted, or even if she was assaulted.

Christ, *I've* been present when a mate was accused of shoving an old guy in red socks before now. Because the silly old git was walking backwards while shouting and ranting about "bloody hooligans on bikes" and tripped over a rock on a dedicated MTB trail (one of the 7 stanes IIRC).

I suspect us all laughing at him didn't help the situation.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 5:14 pm
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From the pic, i think its towards the bottom of waterwell lane he’s been caught in the process of a danger ****

I only go out cycling so that I can kick old ladies over. If they’ve got a dog that’s just a bonus kick. Bank holidays are the best for any other wannabe kickers out there 👍🏼


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 5:24 pm
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Just cos he’s on a mountain bike doesn’t mean he’s not nob head!

In my experience that increases the chances of the person being a nob head.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 5:29 pm
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There is a HUGE chunk of missing information and what transpired before she was assaulted, or even if she was assaulted.

Christ, *I’ve* been present when a mate was accused of shoving an old guy in red socks before now.

This is better phrased than the stuff I wrote and deleted.

Someone on here posted a while ago about the amount of abuse that regular cyclists put up with. Being bullied on the roads, being told that they shouldn't ride there, biased reporting etc. Just this weekend, I got shouted at by a woman for riding past her loose dog on a busy NCN route (busy with commuting cyclists, that is), and then the next day had an anti-cyclist rant from a dick of an HGV driver who I'd met 5 minutes earlier, at a social thing.

For most people, having a shouting match in public is a serious, worrying thing, and any physical contact comes as a surprise even if they've unthinkingly initiated it. Just thinking aloud, what if he was trying to get past her and she's blocking the track. He pushes past her and she loses her footing? Anyway, guesswork based on plenty of miles ridden and plenty of confrontations..


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 5:32 pm
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In other words, you are making up a story to suit your own prejudices & bias.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 6:26 pm
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Because generally speaking people don’t assault old ladies for absolutely no reason at all.

There is only one legal reason to assault a person, which is self defence. So she must have started it, because mountain bikers would not do such a thing.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 6:41 pm
 mert
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In other words, you are making up a story to suit your own prejudices & bias

absolutely not. Just pointing out that there's shit loads of missing info and what we do have doesn't make complete sense from a rational perspective.

So she must have started it, because mountain bikers would not do such a thing.

oh, they absolutely could. Lots of bellends on bikes everywhere. Bit it's a very very small likelihood.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 9:32 pm
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Today on… the dark side of STW


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 10:15 pm
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oh, they absolutely could.

I would read that with just a pinch of sarcasm.

That there has apparently been several reports about one person would make me think there is likely to be truth in the matter.
There are so many idiots in the world and someone who is an idiot in a car is liable to be an idiot on a bike. Its just they are a bit less dangerous.


 
Posted : 01/08/2022 10:24 pm
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Just pointing out that there’s shit loads of missing info and what we do have doesn’t make complete sense from a rational perspective.

But interestingly enough amongst the information we do have is a picture of the guy & his legs clearly aren’t bitten. Which didn’t stop you speculating that he had been & turning the thread onto that direction.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 12:42 am
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On my local MTB trails there was a guy that would regularly go running and would get extremely angry with MTBers without provocation. He'd take on groups of six people sometimes, shouting and spitting.

He was predominantly on bike only trails.

I never heard of him actually attacking anyone, but it was only a matter of time before it escalated. I called a mental health unit to see if anyone knew his background, to no avail. I figured this was definitely not someone in a clear state of mind.

I don't think i've seen him since COVID.

Anyway, people were making all sorts of comments on FB pages about the bloke, but you do have to stop and think, "what might be going on for this behaviour to happen?"


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 3:43 am
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For balance: I've never kicked a dog, or pushed an old lady over.

I do think it's conceivable that this is not the full story. I've mentioned my mad neighbors on here previously - she's well over sixty and has on several occasions has called the police for either completely fabricated assaults, or one's that she has engineered buy forcing somebody to squeeze past her on the pavement etc, or walking in front of somebody then tumbling onto the ground like she's been tasered. She's an absolute menace, and is well known to police.

I've encountered walkers on trails who've made a point of refusing to move to the side to allow me/us/cyclists though, made a snarky remark etc. I've also encountered plenty of people who haven't called their dogs when they've needed to. I think it's perfectly possible that there has been a confrontation on the trail, and this walker has somehow ended up on the floor - but without having been brutally assaulted by this absolute monster in TK max cycling gear with *winces* bar ends.

if you asked me which scenario was more likely, I'd say it was probably 50/50


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 5:26 am
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I think the photo was taken at a different time and then presumably identified as the suspect by the original victim.

How have you worked that out? If you are correct, we could be looking at completely the wrong person.

Read the article properly.
The alleged assault on the woman happened in April, presumably just her reporting it to the police/presenting at A&E with injuries.

[b] Subsequently [/b] this photo has been taken by someone else - it doesn't say by who or for what reason - and police want to talk to him [b] in relation to [/b] the incident. That could mean he's a potential witness, he could mean he's riding the same trail where it happened or it could mean that he matches the description of the alleged perpetrator, it doesn't say.

Possibly the photo was taken in the aftermath of another assault or argument. The guy is obviously remounting so maybe he stopped for/had a go at/crashed into the person who took the photo. Or maybe they thought "ooh, this is that trail where [old lady] was assaulted and here's a mountain biker riding it, I'll take a photo and send it to the police". Some sort of neighbourhood watch busybody standing there "solving crime".

The article doesn't suggest that the rider pictured actually did anything wrong - in fact it stresses quite the opposite (innocent until proven guilty and all that). Just that he's sought in relation to it.

Although he should be arrested for crimes against fashion...


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 7:43 am
 mert
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But interestingly enough amongst the information we do have is a picture of the guy & his legs clearly aren’t bitten. Which didn’t stop you speculating that he had been & turning the thread onto that direction.

🤦 The picture was taken at a different time.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 7:56 am
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how on earth do you get into these situations?

I think it largely depends on where you ride. I've used the Chilterns and Calderdale as my "local" previously and very rarely had a bad encounter with anyone let alone other people's dogs. I'm now in Manchester, and use the TPT a bit - mostly to get the miles in, and as it's one of the few green-ish parts around here it's reasonably busy with folks and their dogs. I think I've more unpleasant encounters in the last few months than I've had in the preceding 15 years.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 8:22 am
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Sounds to me like the guy is a local neighbourhood nutcase and is well known to a lot of the people who are unfortunate enough to have to share a space with him


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 9:03 am
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🤦 The picture was taken at a different time.

If that is the case then why is someone taking a photo of him? Is he just unfortunate enough to keep getting attacked by dog walkers who then decide to report him? He clearly has history.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 10:13 am
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If that is the case then why is someone taking a photo of him? Is he just unfortunate enough to keep getting attacked by dog walkers who then decide to report him? He clearly has history.

I posted a sort of explanation of possibilities but it's on the bottom of page 2 and obviously no-one reads back through that... 🙄


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 10:26 am
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Read the article properly.
The alleged assault on the woman happened in April, presumably just her reporting it to the police/presenting at A&E with injuries.

Subsequently this photo has been taken by someone else

Ok, I've read both articles (copied below) and am missing that info. Where is it?

From the police website:

Police would like to identify the man pictured in connection to an assault which happened on Haccombe path in Newton Abbot on Friday 29 April at around 5.45pm.

The victim, a woman in her 60s, was walking her dogs on a footpath in Haccombe, when she was kicked by an unknown man following an altercation. This caused her to fall to the ground and suffer a serious injury to her shoulder.

From Pinkbike:

Police have urged members of the public to come forward with any information relating to the assault of a 60-year-old woman in Haccombe, near Newton Abbot, England.

A statement published yesterday to the Devon & Cornwall Police website and Facebook page said that the victim fell to the ground and seriously injured her shoulder after the perpetrator kicked her. The victim was walking her dogs April 29 at roughly 5:45 p.m. Although the incident happened months ago, police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the man pictured above, as they believe he is connected to the crime.

bigquotes Police would like to identify the man pictured in connection to an assault which happened on Haccombe path in Newton Abbot on Friday 29 April at around 5.45pm.

The victim, a woman in her 60s, was walking her dogs on a footpath in Haccombe, when she was kicked by an unknown man following an altercation. This caused her to fall to the ground and suffer a serious injury to her shoulder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting CR/36585/22.—Devon & Cornwall Police

At least three people commented on the Facebook post to say they've experienced altercations with the same man, including verbal abuse and multiple instances of him kicking dogs, if the man pictured is the same person. It's worth mentioning that the police have not specified that the man pictured is the suspect, only that he is sought in connection to the crime.

It goes without saying that we condemn the abhorrent behaviour alleged here, and encourage anyone with information to contact the police department. Note that we do not allow posting any identifying details in the Pinkbike comments, and any comments that suggest doxxing this person will be deleted.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 10:51 am
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I have never got in an altercation with anyone (other than drivers) whilst out riding. If there are multiple people saying they have issues with this guy then it strongly suggests the issue is with him , not the old lady or her dogs.

If this was a driver that had assaulted a cyclist no one would be making any excuses for him.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 11:15 am
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Where is it?

Its the lack of details that indicate it. If it was her who took the photo I would expect it to say so. Doesnt guarantee it but would be how I would read it.


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 11:25 am
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Its the lack of details that indicate it. If it was her who took the photo I would expect it to say so. Doesnt guarantee it but would be how I would read it.

That's fine, but that's reading as much between the lines as anyone else. I said it earlier - it's all guessing and conjecture.

I don't think Rocombe Farm Ice Cream is still over the hill from Haccombe? I reckon that he gets angry because he can't get a decent ice-cream mid-ride anymore and lashes out at anyone he sees. 😀


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 11:34 am
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Its the lack of details that indicate it. If it was her who took the photo I would expect it to say so. Doesnt guarantee it but would be how I would read it.

That's how I read it and came to the assumptions I typed out last page.
The alleged assault of interest to the police was in April. It's now August but it seems to me (from the scanty details) that someone else has reported some sort of incident, managing to surreptitiously snap a photo as the guy makes to ride off and the police have potentially linked the two.

Or that the description of the assailant was circulated and someone out and about happened to see someone matching that and snap a quick pic which the police are now able to use to progress inquiries.

Going by the comments on the Police FB page (why did I read the comments...?!) someone matching that description seems to be a regular dickhead around that sort of area so he shouldn't be too difficult to find...


 
Posted : 02/08/2022 11:34 am
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