An elderly man responsible for the death of a cyclist in Whiston has been sentenced in court
James Wardle, 83 killed 54-year-old Glyn Straw in 2022 after he failed to see him while driving his Volkswagen Golf on Pleasley Road.
On 4 September Gyln had been out cycling with his friends as part of the Sitwell Cycling Club, a hobby he was extremely passionate about and loved. Following their ride, he stopped for a drink and a chat at a local pub.
At around 1pm, Glyn left and started to travel home towards Aston. At the time, Wardle and his wife were driving back from Rotherham Hospital in the same direction. Wardle failed to see Glyn on his bicycle, collided with him, from behind causing him to go over the roof of the car.
Witnesses to the collision stopped and called 999 but he sadly died at the scene.ย
Upon officersโ arrival, Wardle failed a roadside eyesight test and was unable to read a registration 20m away.
Later, during the investigation, tests showed that Wardle had degenerative eyesight problems, a contributing factor to being unable to see Glyn but had been undiagnosed prior to the collision.
Serious Collisions Sergeant John Taylor said: โMy thoughts are today with Glynโs family who are continuing to grieve their loss.
โCyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users, and this case demonstrates how we must all take responsibility to create safer roads.
โGlyn was a keen cyclist; it was his hobby and passion. He knew how to stay safe and rode in a sensible manner, he may still be alive today if Wardle had made different decisions.โ
Glynโs family have released a photograph of Glyn and a tribute which reads:ย โGlyn was a much-loved husband, father, son, brother and friend to many, tragically taken in avoidable circumstances whilst out on a bike ride, something he really enjoyed doing and was highly proficient at.โ
On Friday (28 June) Wardle appeared before Sheffield Magistratesโ Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.
He was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 18months, disqualified from driving for five years and ordered to pay ยฃ2000. Wardle must take an extended driving test following his disqualification.ย
