A MAN has been jailed for causing the death of a popular cyclist near Shaftesbury – as she made her way home from the Filly Loo event.
The experienced cyclist and a friend were on the road with their lights lit and wearing high-viz tabards when Mary was struck from behind by a Vauxhall Insignia driven by Alan Morris.
Morris, 75, of Budbury Circle, Bradford on Avon, initially claimed to have been unable to see her due to the lights of a car coming from the opposite direction.
However, forensic enquiries following the crash demonstrated Mary and her friend would have been visible from a distance of at least 200 metres due to the lighting on both Mary and her friend’s bicycles.
Morris was also found to have been driving at around 69mph, above the 60mph limit.
He eventually pleaded guilty to death by careless driving.
READ MORE: Tributes to popular cyclist Mary Emerson-Reed after tragic crash near Shaftesbury
At a hearing at Salisbury Crown Court on May 9, he was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 29 months, when he will need to pass an extended test of competence, as well as being ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.
T/DC Alex Collins, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Mary’s family during this undoubtedly traumatic time for them.
“It has been a lengthy process to get to this point, with numerous complex enquiries needing to be completed, including a reconstruction of the incident. I’d like to thank them for their patience and I hope this sentence can bring an element of closure.
“There can be no excuse for Morris’s driving. Mary and her friend had their bicycle lights illuminated and they were correctly wearing high visibility, reflective clothing given the late hour.
“Morris had ample opportunity to see Mary and failed to do so, colliding with her and sadly causing fatal injuries.
“Careless driving is one of the fatal five driving offences – the five offences most likely to lead to serious injury or death.
“This sad case highlights the importance of giving your full attention to the road, no matter the hour.”
After her death in 2023, the Gillingham Wheelers cycling group paid tribute, saying: “Mary was a long-standing member of the Gillingham Wheelers who was always happy to help out at our various events.
“Anyone who has taken part in our time trials or road races will have benefitted from Mary’s generosity over many years.
“Mary loved riding her bike, and loved her music too. She was regularly spotted riding Robbie, Ruby and Candy on the roads of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, as well as guiding members around Mallorca where she earnt the nick-name Mary Maps.
“Mary’s death will leave a huge hole in our Club and many people’s lives. Rest in Peace Mary.”
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