Man Jailed After Fatal Collision With Cyclist
A motorist has been jailed for dangerous driving after a fatal collision with a cyclist. Neil Urwin, 56, has been sentenced to two years behind bars following the incident on August 9, 2014, near Chollerford in Northumberland. He had been driving a Ford Fiesta when he collided with cyclist Andrew Charlton as he tried to overtake him on the A6079. The father-of-three was taken to hospital by paramedics but sadly died. Police carried out an investigation and charged Urwin with causing death by dangerous driving. He denied the charge and instead admitted a charge of causing death by careless driving. During his trial, a court heard Urwin had been advised by medical professionals in the days before the accident that he may have a condition that would affect his ability to drive. The court also heard how he had been driving too fast and too closely to the victim when he attempted the overtake on the country road. Urwin, of East Acres, Hexham, was today (Oct 27) found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of death by dangerous driving and was jailed for two years by a judge. He was also banned from driving for three years. Motor Patrols Acting Chief Inspector Dave Little said:
"This case shows the tragic consequences of driving too fast and too close to vulnerable road users such as cyclists. It is also a stark reminder that you should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you know you may have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive. Neil Urwin's actions on that day were irresponsible and reckless - his decisions that day have led to someone being killed and this has had a devastating impact on Andrew's three young children and his wife Katie. What I will say is that all of Andrew's family have remained dignified throughout what must have been a deeply traumatic case for them. I want to praise the way they have conducted themselves but I am sure this sentence will not make their loss any easier to bare. I want to remind drivers that you should not, under any circumstances, get behind the wheel if you believe you may have a condition that could impair your ability to drive. This case also shows the importance of leaving space for cyclists and othere vulnerable road users when driving on our roads. They should be afforded the same respect as a car and reckless attempts to overtake could have tragic consequences." The Charlton family released a statement following the case, it read:
"Regardless of the verdict we feel strongly as a family that there are no winners in this tragedy. Nothing will bring Andy back to our family and not a day goes by that he is not greatly missed. Most traffic fatalities are not intentional and you never expect to be a victim of, or the cause of, a fatal accident - a car can be a killing machine in the wrong hands. Please think before you get behind the wheel of a car whether you should do so and whilst you are driving please pay extra care and attention - especially around vulnerable road users, including cyclists. Because this did not happen in this case there are now three tiny children growing up without their daddy."