Latest news with #CallumAnderson
RNZ News
04-07-2025
- RNZ News
Driver Callum Anderson, who left an injured cyclist, blames the victim in a court outburst
By Tracy Neal, Open Justice reporter of Callum Anderson drove off without checking on a cyclist knocked to the ground and injured after a minor collision with his vehicle. Photo: Akhararat _Wathanasing A driver who left a cyclist injured on the roadside after the pair had a minor collision said it would not have happened if the cyclist could "ride a bike properly". The volunteer worker, who the police said rode a bike as his only means of transport, was left with a broken hand and a concussion after he fell on to the road. But Callum Oliver Anderson drove off without stopping to check on him. The 23-year-old subcontractor said, before tossing a bundle of papers he held and storming out of court, that the cyclist was "reckless" for having "nicked the end of my wing mirror". "It's not like I physically hit him," he argued. "If he could ride a bike properly, this wouldn't be a problem," he said before asking if the cyclist could be prosecuted as well. Anderson sacked his lawyer before sentencing in the Nelson District Court this week, saying he preferred to represent himself. He had earlier admitted a charge of failing to stop to ascertain injury after the incident in Richmond, south of Nelson, on 6 January this year. "I've got a voice and I intend to use it," Anderson said, which prompted Judge Garry Barkle to reply that so far, it had "not done him a lot of good". Anderson was last in court in 2023, when he appeared on a wilful damage charge after he smashed the front window of a Work and Income service centre with his fist after he couldn't get help. He was frustrated by not being able to use the social welfare agency's online app, the court heard. On the afternoon of 6 January this year, Anderson and the cyclist were travelling in the same direction down a busy side street, near the centre of town. As they approached an intersection, the cyclist indicated with his right arm that he planned to turn, at which point the left front of Anderson's car made contact with the cyclist's right side, the police summary of facts said. The cyclist fell on to the road and received a concussion, a broken hand and grazes on his face. Anderson stopped momentarily before he drove off, and left the victim "bleeding and concussed", police said. Police prosecutor Sergeant Daryl Fenemor said the victim, who volunteered at a local conservation organisation, was angry that Anderson had driven off. "He was really p****d off that he just drove away. If he had stopped and checked, then things might have been fine," Fenemor said. Judge Barkle reminded an increasingly frustrated Anderson that he was not facing charges linked to his driving, but only that he had failed to stop to check on the victim. He said that was an obligation "any reasonable human" had. "You are required as soon as possible to stop and check if a person is injured, as a road user. That's the obligation. "No one is saying your driving is at fault. The problem arose for you, in that you were knowingly involved and you didn't find out if the person was injured." Judge Barkle said the summary of facts suggested that the action taken by the cyclist was in enough time for Anderson to take the appropriate action. Anderson complained he was being blamed when in fact he was the victim, and that he had ended up in court because he was "white" and the "system was corrupt". Judge Barkle said that was an "unfortunate attitude to have", before sentencing him to 100 hours of community work and disqualifying him from driving for a year. The cyclist has not responded to NZME's request for comment. * This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Midlothian family-run cafe announces 'difficult' closure amid rising costs
The owners of a Midlothian cafe have announced its closure amid rising costs and thanked locals for their support. Callum Anderson opened up Ian's Wee Cafe back in 2023, in honour of his late father who instilled his passion for cooking. He's now made the tough decision to close, with the cost of national insurance and utilities going up. Despite the news, they're "very proud of what they've built." READ MORE: Edinburgh police on scene of third collision on same road within a week READ MORE: Horrified Edinburgh residents watch as car is engulfed by flames Posting to Facebook, owners said: "We're closing our doors, but not our hearts. "With a heavy heart, we announce that Saturday, April 26, will be our last day of trade as Ian's Wee Cafe at 5 Meadow Place, Bilston. Regrettably, a combination of factors, including the significant impact of the Labour UK Government's policies on small businesses, has made it impossible for us to continue. "The Minimum Wage Increase, Employer's National Insurance (NI) Contribution Increase, and Utilities Price Increase have put us in an extremely difficult position, alongside ongoing challenges within our business location. Despite all this, we are incredibly proud of what we've built here. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Ian's Wee Cafe has been more than just a place to grab a bite; it has been a hub for the community, a space for local groups and organisations to come together, and a cornerstone for many of you who became part of our extended family. For that, we will forever be grateful." Callum Anderson opened up the cafe in honour of Calum's late father, Ian, who passed away in 2006. Speaking to Edinburgh Live back in 2023, Calum said: "Before he passed away, his sort of mobility was limited. "I was taught to cook by him, either being in his chair or through the bedroom, just shooting sort of order through to the bedroom and how to cook things sort of step by step. Since then sort of my passion has just become stronger." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "With dad it took a bit of a downward spiral, but he's always sort of been unwell for sort of, most of my life." Locals were left gutted by the news of the closure. One said: "So sorry to hear this! You always made us feel so welcome." Another added: "Sorry to hear you are closing. It's so hard for small independent businesses nowadays. Good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future." A third posted: "So sorry to hear this! Wishing you guys all the best with your next chapter."
