Man found guilty of murdering cyclist in Norwich road rage attack
A man who deliberately swerved his car into a dad-of-three on a pedal cycle during a road rage attack has been found guilty of murder
A man who deliberately swerved his car into a dad-of-three on a pedal cycle during a road rage attack has been found guilty of murder.
David Morgan, 40, of George Winter Court, was convicted at Norwich Crown Court on 11th November.
A jury of three men and nine women reached its verdict after a trial lasting eight days.
Morgan had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on 30th November 2026.
The victim, 50-year-old Richard Smith, was cycling home from work on Chartwell Road in Norwich on 8th May this year.
The court heard that at 5.10pm Morgan purposefully swerved his white Mercedes CLA 180 Sport at Mr Smith.
He was propelled over his handlebars and into the road.
Mr Smith was wearing a cycling helmet but suffered severe head injuries. He died in hospital three days later.
The court was shown dash cam footage of the crash.
Police said it clearly shows the white Mercedes swerving towards Mr Smith before he can be seen falling from his bicycle.
Witnesses had seen and heard an apparent brief exchange between the two men a short time earlier.
The jury also heard that Morgan had been drinking at the Sole and Heel Pub in Rackheath before collecting his children from school.
Officers tracked down the Mercedes on Bignold Road and arrested Morgan on suspicion of attempted murder.
He was later charged with murder following Mr Smith's death.
After being cautioned, Morgan is recorded on body cam footage saying: "Oh that f*g idiot. Yeah, he's punched my wing mirror and then literally hit my wing mirror and then it fell off."
He was reminded he was under caution but continued: "he hit my wing mirror, he fell off his bike and I carried on driving. He called me a d*** head and I had my kids in the car."
Detective Inspector Sam Pontin, the senior investigating officer, said: "Richard was a much-loved husband, father, and friend whose life was tragically cut short by a deliberate act. Our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown remarkable dignity throughout this investigation and trial.
"The evidence presented to the jury demonstrated that Morgan intentionally used his vehicle as a weapon following a moment of road rage. Even in the aftermath of the collision, he showed little concern for Richard's welfare and instead sought to blame the victim for what had happened.
"We welcome today's verdict, which reflects the seriousness of Morgan's actions. While no outcome can undo the devastating loss suffered by Richard's family, we hope this verdict provides them with some measure of justice."