Man Jailed after Death of Retired Paramedic

FLINTSHIRE, Wales – A retired paramedic with a passion for cycling was killed instantly when he was struck by a Range Rover, whose driver “inexplicably” did not see him.

Mold Crown Court heard yesterday that other drivers, including two driving behind defendant John James Evans clearly saw Kinmel Bay man Alan Mort cycling close to the kerb in a straight line and wearing a high visibility jacket.

But Evans did not see him on the dual-carriageway and did not brake or swerve to avoid him.

He ploughed straight into him, knocking him on to the bonnet of the Range Rover and then on to the kerb.

Despite valiant efforts by others to assist he had been killed instantly, prosecuting barrister Jane La Grua explained.

Evans, 45, of Windsor Drive in Flint, had denied causing death by dangerous driving and was due to go on trial yesterday.

But he charged his plea and admitted the offence.

The defendant was jailed for 14 months, banned from driving for 18 months, and was ordered to take an extended driving test.

Judge Niclas Parry said that Evans “caused the wholly unnecessary and avoidable death” of Mr Mort, on February 5 last year . Judge Parry said that Mr Mort was riding properly in a straight line at the side of the dual-carriageway between Flint and Bagillt.

He was obviously visible to two drivers behind Evans who expressed disbelief that he had not done so.

Mr Mort would have been visible to the defendant for at least 20 seconds, the judge added.

“He was there to be seen. He was immediately in front of you yet you collided with him.

“It was a case of dangerous driving where the defendant had created a significant risk of danger, he must have been distracted, and had failed to have proper regard for a vulnerable road user ahead of him.”

Miss La Grua prosecuting, told the court that Mr Mort had cycled from his home to Flint to visit his son.

He was struck by the defendant’s car as he made his way back home along the A548 coast road towards Bagillt.

“He (Mr Mort) should have been in his direct field of vision for some considerable distance ahead of him,” she said.

John Gibson, defending, said Evans accepted his culpability, whether his actions had been labelled dangerous or careless: “He is at a complete loss to understand why he did not see him.”

Forensic evidence showed he was not on the phone, he had his eyes tested, including his peripheral vision, he was in good health, and there was no explanation why the tragic accident had happened. He was unable to explain how he had caused the death. “He does not understand what it was that led to this happening,” said Mr Gibson.

“Mr Evans still to this day does not understand how he made such a catastrophic error. He cannot explain it.”