Cyclists are being warned they will face prosecution if caught flouting the rules of the road in Essex and pose a danger to the community.

Officers from Essex Police are urging people riding bikes to follow the Highway Code or face large fines and possible prison sentences.

The warning comes after Jamie Hood, 20, unemployed, of Malborough Road, Braintree, was fined a four figure sum in compensation after admitting dangerous cycling at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 15.

He cycled through a red light in New Writtle Street on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at 12.30pm and knocked a 90-year-old woman over as she crossed the road. She was taken to hospital with a broken femur.

Pc Matt Noone who investigated the collision, said: “Cyclists who fail to abide to the Highways Code by cycling dangerously and running red lights put themselves, pedestrians and other road users in danger. In some instances, people are seriously injured and even killed.

“This recent sentence shows that pedal cyclists are just as liable to prosecution as any other road user. Essex Police takes all reports of dangerous cycling serious and will they will be fully investigated.”

Visit here for information on the Highway Code.