A motorist who accidentally killed an 83-year-old cyclist and later returned to the scene of the crime pretending to be an innocent bystander, was given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty in court. Stephen Shaw, 51, left the scene before the emergency services arrived and later denied being involved.

“The defendant pulled away at the same time as Mr. Dykes but the prosecution say the defendant failed to afford priority and sufficient time and space to the victim and thus prevented him from manoeuvring, positioning and indicating his intentions to other road users,” the prosecution said.

“Both vehicles as a result came together and the collision took place in the centre of the road. Mr Dykes fell to the floor and smashed his head with some force. He was not wearing a cycle helmet and he received a severe head injury. He lost consciousness and unfortunately never regained it. He died on February 16 and the cause of death was severe blunt force head trauma.”

A witness noted the registration plate of Shaw’s vehicle and the tragic incident was also captured on CCTV. When initially confronted by police Shaw denied involvement, saying he was home all day. But after the CCTV evidence was mentioned he relented.

Shaw pleaded guilty at the last minute to avoid going to trial. He was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Shaw was ordered to 20-day rehabilitation activities and given a night curfew for 12 weeks.

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