Minibus driver’s “momentary lapse in concentration” led to cyclist’s death

A minibus driver’s “momentary lapse in concentration” led to the death of a cyclist, a court has been told.

Robert Worden, aged 53 and from Great Harwoood, died in hospital from injuries sustained when he was knocked off his bike and then run over at the Whitebirk roundabout in Blackburn on 5 May this year, reports the Lancashire Telegraph.

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court heard that the driver of the minibus, David Haythornwhite, told police that he had seen Mr Worden on the roundabout but was not aware of where he was at the point of collision.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Philippa White, prosecuting, told the court that the 58-year-old from Burnley had dropped off a passenger shortly before the fatal crash and that a witness saw him drive across the give way line as Mr Worden approached.

She said: “He collided with the rear of the bike, causing it to wobble, and the rider to fall off in front of the minibus.

“At that point he set off and unfortunately drove over Mr Worden, who died shortly after.”

She added: “There is no suggestion he was travelling at speed or that this was anything other than a momentary lapse in concentration.”

Richard James, representing the defendant, likened the incident to the kind that when they involve cars lead to whiplash injuries, adding: “In this case we are talking about a minibus and a bike with more tragic consequences.”

Haythornwhite will be sentenced on 4 February at Preston Crown Court.