Police are warning motorists to take care around cyclists following the sentencing of a man for causing death by careless driving.
On 21 June 2013 at Teesside Crown Court, 30-year-old Peter Gavin Barraclough of East Cowton near Northallerton was given a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months after pleading guilty to causing the death of 75-year-old cyclist, Leonard Arthur Grayson from Garforth, Leeds.
Mr Barraclough collided with Mr Grayson on the A19 dual carriageway at Thirsk on 18 August 2012 while Mr Grayson took part in an organised time trial event.
Sergeant John Lumbard of Richmond Roads Policing Group, said:
This was a tragic incident for everyone involved and highlights why motorists should be alert at all times to cyclists, especially now that there are many cycling events taking place on the roads throughout the summer months.
Mr Barraclough pleaded guilty to causing Mr Grayson’s death and has shown complete remorse throughout the investigation for what happened. However, the case highlights how a brief lapse in concentration can devastate lives.
Cyclists have every right to use the roads and motorists should always be alert to vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and horses, particularly at this time of the year.
I hope the conclusion of the case today gives Mr Grayson’s family some comfort and they can now move on with their lives.
The Highway Code states motorists should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.
Mr Barraclough was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
