Lorry driver who killed cyclist on A34 given community sentence
A lorry driver who admitted killing a cyclist by careless driving on the A34 in Oxfordshire has been given a community sentence.
Graham Llewellyn, 65, from Shrewsbury, had a “momentary lapse of inattention” when his load hit Andras Gadacsi near the Milton Interchange in August 2009.
The lorry was carrying a portable building which hit the rider, who was thrown under the vehicle.
At Oxford Crown Court, Llewellyn was sentenced to 200 hours community work.
‘Huge effect’
He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.
Llewellyn told police that he “just didn’t see” Mr Gadacsi.
The Hungarian, who was living in Oxford, died from his injuries at the scene.
Llewellyn admitted causing death by careless driving in June.
Sgt Richard Thorpe, from Thames Valley Police, said: “These accidents have a huge effect on all the families and all the people surrounding it. It’s very sad and my thoughts are with the family today.”
This is yet another case of the prosecution failing to attempt to bring a dangerous driving charge, even though it appears that the driver was carrying a large load which caused the crash. Surely this meets the test of being obvious to others that the his driving fell ‘well-below’ the standards of a careful and competent driver?
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