A man who deliberately drove his car into a 38-year-old in Reading in a "horrific" and pre-meditated attack has been convicted of attempted murder.

Mark Whittaker, 45, of no fixed abode, was found guilty by unanimous verdict on Friday (March 29) after a trial at Reading Crown Court which lasted five days.

At around 5.20am on Friday October 12, Whittaker drove his vehicle from Portsmouth to Reading and waited on Northumberland Avenue for the victim to cycle past.

Whittaker had earlier sent the victim, Darren Fordred, a series of text messages threatening to kill him.

Whittaker followed Mr Fordred, who was cycling on the pavement towards Reading town centre before mounting the pavement and deliberately hitting him at a speed of 32 miles per hour.

The force of the impact resulted in several breaks to Mr Fordred’s legs.

The impact lifted Mr Fordred onto the windscreen and then, when the vehicle hit metal railings, launched him through these, which caused deep wounds to Mr Fordred’s legs and he sustained compound fractures of both femurs.

Whittaker then got out of his car and proceeded to kick, stamp, punch and strangle Mr Fordred.

On police arrival, Whittaker admitted it was an intentional hit and run.

During his trial, Whittaker had denied attempted murder, but admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

As a result of the incident, Mr Fordred required surgery on both broken legs and skin grafts, which has left him with life-long scarring.

Investigating officer detective constable Peter Cave of Force CID based at Reading police station, said: "This was a horrific incident in which Whittaker deliberately used his vehicle as a weapon to harm Mr Fordred.

"There was some degree of pre-meditation in Whittaker’s actions as he had driven from Portsmouth to confront his victim.

"Whittaker knew what the impact of his decision would be, and the jury rejected his not guilty plea to attempted murder and convicted him.

"The impact on Mr Fordred, both at the time and now, has been enormous.

"I would like to praise him for his courage throughout, and I am pleased that Whittaker has been convicted."

Whittaker will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Monday, April 29.