Tue 3 Nov 2009
Dr. Christopher Thompson GUILTY
Posted by Jimmy under news
Dr. Christopher Thompson was found guilty of assaulting cyclists by abruptly stopping his car in front of them on a hilly Los Angeles County road last year. If you’re unfamiliar this whole story check out the VeloNews piece here, or this LA Times piece on the case. Regardless, I’m not one to applaud the government justice system so don’t expect me to be happy this lunatic is likely going to prison for some amount of time. While if this gets national attention it may send a minor and soon forgotten shock wave down drivers’ backs, I just don’t see that as a viable solution to the problem. What about something more along the lines of financial restitiution to the victims and that cycling community as a whole as well as something like not allowing him to posess a car or drivers license… let the hate mail roll.




November 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I hope that the judge throws the book at the Dr. Whatever punishment he gets will not be enough.
In addition to going to prison he should have to pay financial restitution to the victims, not be allowed to practice medicine ever again, and never be allowed to drive again.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
unfortunately I think you are right about not being more than a small ripple of concern. Americans (yes I’m generalizing) have this Narcissistic mindset and are oblivious to others, especially when driving their cars. If something (small animals)or someone (pedestrians, cyclists, other cars) get in their way or slow them down, WATCH OUT! Yours truly has been guilty of this, too and was wrong.
This man’s behaviour was criminal and this trial brought one case to justice. Absolutely some restitution is in order. However, if this case remains in the minority of being brought to trial and tried, we all lose.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I agree with you.
And the guy is just gonna get more rammed up his backside now.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
funurdiesel, the problem with prison is that you are essentially victimized twice. first by the so-called criminal act and secondly by having to pay for that person to sit in a cage. it costs A LOT of money to house, feed and detain prisoners.