A driver who took to Twitter in May this year after hitting a cyclist with her car has been convicted and fined by Magistrates in Norwich. Emma Way tweeted that she “Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier. I have right of way – he doesn’t even pay road tax! #bloodycyclists”. Her tweet quickly spread on the social media site and brought the trainee accountant unwanted notoriety.

At the time, Way was suspended from her job and Magistrates heard that she was subsequently dismissed.

The court acquitted Way of driving without due care and attention but found her guilty of failing to stop after a collision and failing to report an accident. As a result, she was ordered to pay a £337 fine and a further £300 in costs. Seven penalty points were added to her driving license.

Way has since deleted her presence on Twitter. Speaking after the hearing, she said, “The tweet was spur of the moment. It was ridiculous and stupid and I apologise to all cyclists. It is the biggest regret of my life so far.”

The incident should be taken as a warning to all social media users. Although it is hoped that no further incidents such as this will happen again, social media is not the place to boast about any criminal or potentially criminal activity. On this occasion, the police were alerted to the tweet and subsequently the identity of Ms Way. When people live every element of their lives online, there really are few places to hide.