Trial for Paul Stuart Meadowcroft, accused of Geraldton hit-run that left cyclist paralysed, set for next year

A Geraldton man accused of a hit-and-run road rage attack which left a cyclist partially paralysed will stand trial next year. Paul Stuart Meadowcroft, 50, appeared in the District Court on Friday where his case was set down for a five-day trial starting on May 2, 2022. Police have alleged the Spalding father was behind the wheel of an Isuzu D-MAX ute on April 1 when he “deliberately” veered off the road and ploughed into cyclist Steve Zimmermann, below. Prosecutors have previously told Geraldton Magistrates Court the road-rage incident occurred after a “mix-up” at the Bayly Street-George Road roundabout over right of way between cyclists and drivers. Sgt Troy Gildersleeve said Mr Zimmermann repeatedly pulled the middle finger at the 50-year-old during the verbal altercation, which allegedly prompted Mr Meadowcroft to turn around and collide with the German backpacker on the footpath. Mr Zimmermann sustained fractured C6 and C7 vertebrae, damage to his spine, internal injuries, and partial paralysis below the neck in the incident, and was flown to Perth for treatment. The incident was allegedly captured on CCTV cameras, and Mr Meadowcroft was arrested the next day at his home. He last month pleaded not guilty to doing an act with intent to harm which endangered the life, health or safety of any person, failing to stop and render assistance after an incident involving grievous bodily harm, and failing to report the incident to police. The most serious offence Mr Meadowcroft is charged with carries a maximum penalty of 20 years jail.