A MOTORIST was involved in a collision with a cyclist taking part in the Iron Man in Bolton and drove away from the scene.

Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard Puspha Gohil was working as a carer and was on the way to deliver a meal at the time the iconic race was going on.

The 69-year-old was given permission by a steward to pass a road, the court was told.

But as she went through Tudor Avenue onto Chorley New Road a collision took place with a bike being rode by Liam Marshall.

Gohil was urged by stewards to continue to avoid further collisions, but failed to stop and report the accident to the police, the court heard.

Mr Marshall, who was 111 miles into the 112 mile race at the time, was hit and unable to continue.

Gohil was later identified as the driver. When she was finally contacted three days later and asked why she did not stop she said she had been busy and was going to do it later that evening.

Anne Deacin, prosecuting, said Mr Marshall had a carbon framed speed max bike, which was worth £7,500, and had to be written off.

She added that compensation would be better dealt with through the insurance process.

Gohil, through her lawyer, pleaded guilty to failing to report an accident and failing to stop at the scene of an accident in July last year. She did not attend at court.

Representing Gohil, of The Sheddings in Bolton, Imran Rashid said she felt too much anxiety to be present.

He said: “She is a personal of previous exceptional character.

“She has never been in trouble with the police before. She arrived in this country in 1972.

“Soon thereafter she got her licence, it has never had any endorsements.”

He said of the incident: “A steward told her to carry on because cyclists were still coming.

“There was nowhere for her to park. She panicked and left the scene.”

Chairman of the bench Mark Simpson imposed 10 points on Gohil’s licence, meaning she will avoid a ban from the roads, and fined her £200.

She was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £34.