Judge denies bail as the prosecutor says no cyclist would feel safe with Thompson on the road

Photo: LA Times
By Patrick Brady - VeloNews

The courtroom gallery was filled to capacity Monday as a jury of seven women and five men announced it had convicted former emergency room doctor Christopher Thomas Thompson of assaulting a pair of cyclists last year by abruptly stopping his car in front of them.

For the first time in the trial, which spanned three weeks, cyclists outnumbered Thompson supporters in the gallery. There was a palpable tension in the room greater than any felt during the trial.

Thompson was convicted of six felonies: two counts each of assault with a deadly weapon and battery with serious bodily injury as well as reckless driving causing specified injury and mayhem. He was also convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving.

The six felonies stemmed from the July 4, 2008 incident with cyclists Ron Peterson and Christian Stoehr. The misdemeanor was occasioned by the altercation with cyclists Patrick Watson and Josh Crosby.

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As a cautionary move, Swarth had earlier prepared a request to allow Thompson to remain out on bail until sentencing. Judge Scott Millington scanned the motion and asked Stone if she would like to respond to that request.

“Yes, your honor.”

Stone cited Thompson’s flight risk, his lack of ties to the area (he no longer lives or works in Los Angeles and was likely to lose his medical license soon). She then added, “In terms of public safety, there isn’t a cyclist in Los Angeles who would be comfortable if he were out on the streets.”

Judge Millington cited Thompson’s incentive to flee and the serious nature of the crimes he committed and ordered Thompson’s bail revoked and that he be remanded to custody immediately. With that, bailiffs ordered Thompson to stand, placed handcuffs on him and walked him to a holding cell.
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http://www.velonews.com/article/99813/road-rage-verdict-victims-speak