A CYCLIST has admitted riding his bike into his ex-girlfriend and her new partner after they walked past his shop.

Paul Gallon, 36, then launched an attack on William Nicholson, 44, after sending him and Holly Blake, 34, flying in November 2016 in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

Gallon had been in a relationship with her some months before, spent a night with her the previous week, and claimed Mr Nicholson had threatened his family in the run-up to the attack.

Mr Nicholson, giving evidence to Newcastle Crown Court via a video link from Liverpool, denied speaking to Gallon on the day.

He suffered a broken eye socket, fractured temple and shattered cheekbone after Gallon repeatedly punched him after knocking him down.

Gallon has admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and wounding but denies stamping on him and a trial of issue is being held.

Ms Blake was critically injured and suffered serious head injuries after she was thrown against a post.

Mr Nicholson told the court he was walking on the pavement with his partner when he heard a noise behind them, turned round and was sent flying by the bicycle.

He said: “I dropped to the floor and Paul Gallon had also come off the bike after he smashed into us and I just got attacked, while Holly was lying on the side of me, on her back, unconscious.”

A local resident who saw the attack told police he saw Gallon stamping on his victim in the attack, which lasted 40 seconds.

But Gallon, who runs a local fishing tackle shop, denied it.

He told the court Mr Nicholson had passed the shop, they had argued and claimed his rival had threatened his children.

From the witness box, Gallon said: “I am not a violent person but I lost my temper that day. I wish I could take it back.”

The defendant, from North Shields, North Tyneside, who has a new partner, said he did not intend to hurt Ms Blake that day.

Judge Stephen Earl said he will give a ruling on the trial of issue and pass sentence on a later date.