Norwich murder accused denies using car as weapon

A man accused of murdering a cyclist has denied claims from prosecutors that he used his Mercedes sports car “as a weapon”.

Richard Smith, 50, died after he was knocked off his bike while cycling home from work in Norwich on 8 May.

David Morgan told his trial at Norwich Crown Court that he had “no intention of hitting or hurting” him and that he “wanted to intimidate him”.

The 40-year-old, of George Winter Court, Norwich, denies murder but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On the fifth day of his trial, Morgan told the jury he was “annoyed” after Smith came into contact with his car.

While in Chartwell Road, he said he tried to swerve in front of Smith but “misjudged his timing”.

The father-of-three died three days later in hospital from head injuries.

“I had no intention of getting him, I just wanted to annoy him,” Morgan said.

He said he was “95% certain” his car did not hit Smith and that was why he did not stop at the scene. Morgan’s two children were in the car at the time.