A POLICE worker who crashed into a seriously ill pensioner while cycling on the pavement has been fined.

John Wilson, 73, said he was "lucky to be alive" after the collision in Tarring Road, Worthing, last month left his face bruised and bloodied.

But it has been reported that the cyclist responsible has only been issued with a £30 fine, the lowest-possible penalty for breaching the Highways Act 1835. The maximum penalty is £500.

The Argus:

He could also have been open to prosecution for careless or dangerous riding, offences for which larger fines can be issued.

Mr Wilson, who is currently battling prostate cancer, says the cyclist did not apologise.

"I’m a human being with a terminal illness and I think he thought of me like a piece of dirt," he said.

The incident was captured on CCTV.

Mr Wilson said: "I stepped out on to the wide pavement and didn’t see the bike.

The Argus: Mr Wilson's injuryMr Wilson's injury

"I was whacked straight in the face, I hit the ground.

"I’m very annoyed at watching the video as I’m a human being with a terminal illness and I think he thought of me like a piece of dirt.

"It’s his attitude. I hit the floor and he did not ring an ambulance – a neighbour had to ring an ambulance."

Mr Wilson said the cyclist would not give his name to good Samaritans who stopped to help “as he worked for Sussex Police”.

The force has since confirmed he is a police worker based in Brighton.

The Argus: One of the injuries Mr Wilson suffered in the collision in WorthingOne of the injuries Mr Wilson suffered in the collision in Worthing

Sussex Police have also issued a statement on the process by which a fine of £30 was decided upon.

A spokesman told The Sun: "The matter was referred to our Collision Investigation Unit for full review.

"On this occasion, taking all circumstances into account, the man received a final warning letter with words of advice for cycling on the pavement."