A 40-year-old motorist has been convicted of murdering a cyclist following a road rage incident in Norwich. BBC News reports that David Morgan was found guilty of killing Richard Smith, a father of three, after deliberately swerving his Mercedes into him on Chartwell Road on 8 May.
Smith, aged 50, had made contact with Morgan's car wing mirror while cycling. The collision sent Smith head over heels onto the road, according to witness testimony. He was rushed to hospital with catastrophic head injuries and died three days later. A forensic pathologist described a 19.4cm skull fracture and severe traumatic brain injury sustained in the attack.
Morgan had consumed five or six pints at the Sole and Heel pub in Rackheath, near Norwich, beginning at approximately 12:30 BST. CCTV footage captured him dancing at the bar during this time. After collecting his children from primary school after 15:00, he returned to the pub before taking them to the Boundary, another pub on the opposite side of the city.
While stationary in traffic at a red light, Morgan became involved in an altercation with Smith after the cyclist made contact with his vehicle. Morgan claimed Smith used an offensive word and cycled away. Morgan later caught up with the cyclist, who was returning home from work, and deliberately steered his car into him.
What was Morgan's defence?
During the trial at Norwich Crown Court, Morgan denied the murder charge, claiming he intended only to annoy Smith but had misjudged his timing when he swerved towards him. He told jurors that he wanted to intimidate the cyclist rather than use his car as a weapon. Morgan described the Mercedes as the first expensive car he had purchased and said he wanted to teach Smith a lesson. He also stated he felt extremely guilty and truly sorry for his actions.
However, prosecutors demonstrated that Morgan had provided at least eight different accounts of the incident in an attempt to evade responsibility. CCTV footage recorded outside his father's home captured him admitting to swerving into Smith, saying:
I ain't having it, no [expletive] is going to touch my car.
When arrested two hours later on Bignold Road, Morgan tested positive for cocaine and cannabis through a roadside drug test, in addition to being over the legal alcohol limit.
How did the trial conclude?
The trial lasted eight days, with the jury deliberating for approximately four hours before returning its verdict. On the opening day of proceedings, Morgan pleaded guilty to manslaughter. However, a jury of nine women and three men found him guilty of the more serious charge of murder. Gasps could be heard in the courtroom following the unanimous verdict, while Morgan maintained his gaze towards the judge.
Det Insp Sam Pontin, the senior investigating officer, stated:
Richard was a much-loved husband, father, and friend whose life was tragically cut short by a deliberate act. Our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown remarkable dignity throughout this investigation and trial.
Pontin continued:
The evidence presented to the jury demonstrated that Morgan intentionally used his vehicle as a weapon following a moment of road rage. Even in the aftermath of the collision, he showed little concern for Richard's welfare and instead sought to blame the victim for what had happened.
He added:
We welcome today's verdict, which reflects the seriousness of Morgan's actions. While no outcome can undo the devastating loss suffered by Richard's family, we hope this verdict provides them with some measure of justice.
The pair had not known each other before the collision. Morgan was remanded in custody following the guilty verdict.
What happens next?
Morgan is scheduled to return to Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on 30 November 2026.
Key Facts
- David Morgan, 40, was found guilty of murdering Richard Smith, 50, in a road rage incident on 8 May in Norwich
- Smith died three days after the collision from a 19.4cm skull fracture and severe traumatic brain injury
- Morgan had consumed five or six pints and tested positive for cocaine and cannabis at the time of the incident
- The trial lasted eight days, with the jury taking approximately four hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict
- Sentencing is scheduled for 30 November 2026 at Norwich Crown Court
