Cyclist jailed for causing collision which led to death of pensioner

A cyclist has been sentenced to two years in jail for causing a collision that led to the death of a pedestrian in Tower Hamlets last year.

Peter McCombie, died in July 2020 as a result of head injuries after he was knocked down whilst crossing the road.

CCTV footage showed the 72 year old crossing Bow Road, near to the junction with Addington Road. He stopped on a central island as he waited for a green pedestrian light.

As Peter crossed, a cyclist passed through stationary traffic, narrowly avoiding him, moments later Ermir Loka, came through a red light and collided with him.

The 23 year old, of Waltham Forest, was convicted of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving, but was found not guilty of manslaughter.

The court heard Loka had entering the country illegally and didn't stop at the scene, despite coming off his bike as he was worried about the impact it would have had on his immigration status.

After appeals he eventually handed himself into police 25 days after the collision.

In a statement Peter's family said;

"Peter’s loss has been immeasurable and has left a gap in our lives that we will never be able to fill. He was a man who loved his family, who had time for his circle of valued friends, and worked hard for his colleagues. He was a complete gentleman and everyone that knew him has been united in grief at the manner in which he was taken from us.

“The shock of losing him so abruptly, so suddenly, so unnecessarily, is something that will haunt us for a very long time to come. Peter still had so much left to do and enjoy with us and we have been robbed of that by the actions of this selfish man, who cycled into him and then immediately got up and fled.

“He left Peter laying in a busy road, seriously injured, and thought only of himself at that time. That kind of cowardice is beyond contempt. The anger we feel towards him is beyond words. We cannot even bear to say his name.

“He denied his actions and put us through the trauma of a trial, where we saw exactly what happened and lived our grief again and again. His actions are unforgiveable. We are glad that the jury saw through his lies and that he has been convicted.”

Detective Sergeant Eddie Coleman said: "Peter McCombie was a fit and active man who had had continued to work well past his retirement age. He was much loved by his family and friends and well liked by his colleagues.

“My sympathies remain with Peter’s family, who have been through so much and supported us so steadfastly throughout our investigation and this trial. I would like to thank them for their courage and bravery and hope they know we have done the best we could for them, and for Peter.

"It can only be said that Loka’s actions were reckless and dangerous and entirely avoidable. If Loka had only just slowed and stopped at the red traffic light, we would not be here today.”

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