Driver jailed after causing accident which killed cyclist
October 24th, 2012
A driver has been jailed for eight months for causing an accident which killed a cyclist.
The 54-year-old teacher died at the scene of the accident in Botcheston Road near Desford on January 19th 2012.
The owner of the car admitted causing the death of the cyclist by dangerous driving.
A driver has been jailed for eight months for causing an accident which killed a cyclist.
The 54-year-old teacher died at the scene of the accident in Botcheston Road near Desford on January 19th 2012.
The owner of the car admitted causing the death of the cyclist by dangerous driving.
Leicester Crown Court heard how the driver, who had a clean licence, misjudged an overtaking manoeuvre which meant he had to pull back towards the side of the road.
In doing so, he hit the cyclist, sending him flying over his handlebars.
The rider was on his way home from work at the time of the accident and the driver was travelling in the same direction.
The prosecuting panel told the court how the cyclist had been riding in a “perfectly proper” manner, one foot away from the curb with front and rear lights.
An oncoming vehicle, which was travelling faster than the speed limit, prevented the driver from completing his overtaking manoeuvre.
“There were broken white lines in the road allowing overtaking, providing it was safe to do so. Manson realised too late it wasn’t appropriate and there wasn’t room for him and pulled back over, colliding with the bicycle,” a member of the prosecution said.
Police and Ambulance crews were quick to arrive at the scene of the accident but they were unable to save the cyclist.
The 62-year-old driver has now also been banned from getting behind the wheel for two years.
The Judge said: “It was carelessness to the point of dangerousness.
“A message has to go out that people who drive cars are in charge of a very dangerous machine.
“If you fail to exercise responsibility and kill someone, you must go to prison.”
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