Veteran actor and director Steven Berkoff has been fined for knocking down a pedestrian while driving in London’s Oxford Street.
The 76-year-old, known for such roles as the villain in the James Bond film Octopussy, hit Fiona Scully in his Volkswagen Beetle as she crossed the road on New Year’s Eve last year.
City of London Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how Berkoff pulled on to the wrong side of the road to overtake another car. Ms Scully was knocked to the ground and suffered leg injuries.
The court was told that following the collision, Berkoff acted ”aggressively” towards Ms Scully and also towards her friend.
Defending himself, Berkoff denied that allegation and suggested the women were responsible for the accident.
He said: “I didn’t lose my temper. I was angry because of the situation. It was a road designed for motor vehicles. If a pedestrian crosses they have to be particularly careful. Had they looked round they would have certainly seen me.
“Yes, it is their fault, very much their fault. The ladies crossed the road carelessly, maybe excited because they were going out on New Year’s Eve.”
In his police interview, Berkoff claimed he was the “victim”, claiming that the women “did not stop and look. I had no chance of avoiding them”.
Berkoff claimed in court that he was driving at between seven and 10 miles per hour when he hit Ms Scully.
PC Derek Fletcher said Berkoff was not breathalysed at the scene and that he had no suspicions he had been drinking. He said Berkoff was “very calm”.
Berkoff, of Limehouse, east London, was found guilty and fined £350 for driving without due care and attention and £50 for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
He had had his driver’s licence taken away in February this year after being banned from driving for jumping a red light in a separate incident in central London.
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