Man jailed after fatal collision near Allerton Park

A driver has been jailed for nine months for causing the death of a cyclist in a collision.

On the afternoon of Sunday 10 May 2020, a collision occurred on the A168 between Wetherby and Boroughbridge, involving a black Porsche driven by James Bryan, 37, and a bicycle ridden by 36-year-old Andrew Jackson.

Bryan, of St Mary's Avenue, Harrogate, was arrested and charged. At court, he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

At York Crown Court on 21 October 2022, he was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, disqualified from driving for two years, and ordered to pass an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again.

After the sentencing hearing, DS Kirsten Aldridge, of North Yorkshire Police's Major Collision Investigation Team, said: "This was a tragic case, with a devastating impact on Mr Jackson's family.

"All too often, police officers attend collisions resulting in serious or fatal injuries, caused by the actions of other road users. We see the consequences first-hand, which is why we do what we do: work to prevent road users losing their own lives, or – as in this case – causing the death of someone else.

"Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users, and when Mr Jackson set off on his ride that day he expected to return home safely to his family. Road users are reminded that when they approach cyclists on the road, do so with care. Please take time to pass, providing as much space as possible. Remember, a cyclist is somebody’s loved-one and they just want to get to their destination - as we all do - safely.

"I hope this case highlights the critical importance of driving safely and always with the utmost care, and I would ask everyone reading this to reflect on that before they set out on any road journey."