Lapse in attention led to death of cyclist (23/02/11)

A lorry driver’s momentary lapse of concentration led to the death of a 71-year-old cyclist, a court heard.

Michael Pitman (63) told police he only saw Robert Palmer-Wilson a split second before he hit him.

Pitman pleaded guilty to causing the death of the cyclist by careless driving, at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

He was sentenced to a year’s community order, including 100 hours unpaid work, ordered to pay £200 costs and disqualified from driving for a year.

Prosecutor Sarah Brooks said the accident took place on the roundabout between Anstey Lane and Krefeld Way, Beaumont Leys, at around 6am on February 23.

She told how a witness saw Mr Palmer-Wilson, who was wearing a high-visibility vest, lying on the road in front of a Walkers Crisps lorry driven by Pitman.

She said Pitman was gesturing for her to phone an ambulance.

Other witnesses gave statements confirming that Mr Palmer-Wilson wore safety gear, the vest and a helmet, and his front and rear cycle lights were on.

In a police interview, Pitman, of Branting Hill Avenue, Glenfield, said he was familiar with the area and drove past the roundabout every day, but the road was wet and slippery.

He said he only saw the cyclist a split-second before he hit him and blamed the weather for the accident.

He said: “The windscreen wipers were going and there was rain on the side window.”

Richard Clews, in mitigation, said Pitman had driven lorries for more than 20 years and worked one day a week as a driver for Walkers Crisps.

He told the court Pitman’s main occupation was as a specialist nurse at a children’s ward.

Mr Clews said: “I acknowledge this was a terrible tragedy and everyone in this court can keenly feel what the Palmer-Wilson family have suffered.

“Mr Pitman is extremely sorry and wishes this never happened and wishes he could explain how he didn’t see Mr Palmer-Wilson.

“This was due to a momentary lapse of concentration and had no aggravating features.”

Mr Clews said even eight months afterwards Pitman could not face driving and had ended his employment with Walkers Crisps.

Bench chairman Rick Childs said that the offence was committed negligently and had resulted in the death of Mr Palmer-Wilson.