A South London van driver has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison after deliberately striking a cyclist during a road rage incident in Lewisham. The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, when 44-year-old Mark Okotie accelerated his van into the man on the bicycle, causing serious injuries.

According to court testimony at Woolwich Crown Court, Okotie was delivering blood products to a hospital in South London when the confrontation began. The driver moved his white Maxus van into the left lane without apparent caution, coming close to the cyclist. The cyclist then spat through the open driver’s window at Okotie, which triggered the driver’s violent response.

Dashcam footage inside the van showed Okotie swerving sharply and running over the cyclist. Additional footage from a bus behind the van captured the aftermath, with the injured cyclist lying on the road as the van drove away.

The victim sustained multiple fractures to his pelvis and leg and required extensive surgical treatment involving screws and plates. Police reported that the cyclist, who described himself as physically active, has since been unable to resume jogging or similar activities due to the severity of his injuries.

Okotie, a father of eight from Southwark who is known for mentoring young men and promoting non-violence, expressed remorse for his actions. His defence counsel, Mandisa Knights, characterised the assault as a "momentary relapse in retaliation" and highlighted Okotie's role within his family and community.

Despite the severity of the offence, the judge opted not to impose a driving ban, noting that Okotie had continued to drive for two and a half years following the incident. Okotie was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.