Driver who killed cyclist while being pursued by police in stolen car committed for trial

The driver of a stolen car being pursued by police who struck a cyclist, causing fatal injuries, will stand trial in the autumn on charges including causing death by dangerous driving.

Arthur Bourlet, a  member of Rockingham Forest Wheelers Cycling Club, sustained fatal injuries when he was hit by a Mitsubishi Shogun car being driven by Gary Lynch in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, at 9am on 11 April.

Lynch, aged 55 and of no fixed abode, was charged last month with offences including taking the vehicle from a farm at Grafton Regis, near Towcester, without the owner’s consent and causing serious injury through dangerous driving.

Since then, Mr Bourlet has died from his injuries and the latter charge has been changed to causing death by dangerous driving, reports the Northamptonshire Telegraph.

Lynch, who is in custody, had been due to appear at Northampton Crown Court via videolink for a plea and trial preparation hearing, but refused to leave his cell to enter pleas.

He is also charged with driving whilst disqualified, two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.

The court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and he has been remanded in custody, with his trial, estimated to last five days, scheduled for October.

Since the vehicle Lynch was driving was being pursued by police at the time of the fatal collision, the incident has also been referred, in line with standard practice, to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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