Justice!

It’s been 16 months since the infamous Mandeville Canyon incident involving an emergency room doctor slamming the brakes of his vehicle in front of two cyclists, resulting in injuries to them both. The victims maintained it was an intentional act. The evidence seemed to bear this out as well. The doctor maintained it was an accident.

Though the defendant’s attorney, Peter Swarth, had boasted to the press of expecting the case’s dismissal several months ago following a procedural hearing, indeed it wasn’t dismissed and instead went to trial more than two weeks ago. Closing arguments were heard last week and it was given to the jury on Friday. They continued deliberating today and returned a verdict this afternoon: GUILTY!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A driver has been convicted of felony assault with a deadly weapon for swerving his car in front of two cyclists on a Brentwood road, causing them to crash into the back of his car.

Christopher Thompson of Los Angeles, a 60-year-old emergency room physician, was also convicted Monday of battery causing serious injury, reckless driving and mayhem for the July 2008 incident.

Police say Thompson argued with the bikers on a narrow road before he slammed on the brakes in his red Infinity sedan.

One of the bicyclists dislocated his shoulder. The other broke his teeth and still has scars on his face.

Thompson was immediately remanded into custody because the judge felt he was a flight risk.

He faces 10 years in state prison.

You won’t find me dancing on the ruins of Dr. Thompson’s life — especially since there will no doubt be the inevitable appeals made. But you will find me satisfied and relieved that justice was served.

More here.