Driver who killed cyclist will face jail
A DRIVER who knocked over and killed a cyclist has been told by a judge she is going to jail.
Sophie Reeves was travelling at 50mph in a 30mph zone when she lost control of her car and hit Daniel Mullen, Stafford Crown Court heard.
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Mr Mullen, a 31-year-old from Stafford, was riding his bike without lights, but was on the pavement on the opposite side of the road.
The fatal accident happened in Lichfield Road, Stafford, on May 27 last year.
Reeves, aged 20, of Cherrybrook Drive, Penkridge, admitted causing Mr Mullen's death by dangerous driving.
In a basis of plea, she said she believed her speed immediately prior to the collision was about 50mph.
She said: "I was momentarily distracted by oncoming headlights from a car coming over the bridge. I suddenly saw the deceased riding an unlit bicycle, I instantly reacted by steering my car to the right and then lost control of the car.
"I accept my driving fell far below the standard of a reasonably competent driver."
David Jackson, prosecuting, told the court: "The Crown do not accept that Daniel Mullen was riding his cycle in anything other than a straight line. He was towards the barrier side of the pavement. He was on the pavement on the opposite side of the road, obviously without lights."
The court heard that Reeves had a false perception that the cyclist was in her lane.
She was of previous good character.
Judge Mark Eades remanded her on bail for reports, but warned her: "In adjourning this case, I give no indication as to sentence. But a custodial sentence is a certainty in this case."
Reeves was banned from driving until sentencing.
7 Comments
by Jamie, Indianapolis
Monday, September 14 2009, 8:59PM
“Does anyone know where Sophie is now? I once new a Sophie Reeves and in trying to look her up I found this... just trying to figure out if she's the same on.”
by kate, Stone
Friday, August 14 2009, 1:24PM
“Have any of you ever made a mistake???? Have any of you ever driven too fast or done anything that if circumstances were diffrent could have ended up in a simular situation??
Yes i feel for Mr Mullens family but I also feel for Sophie that at such a young age is having to deal every day with her 1 mistake....is that not enough punishment?”
by Mark, Penkridge
Friday, August 14 2009, 12:07PM
“Its sad when someone you have known for so long is involved in something like this, i have known Sophie for over 15 years now. We both went to the same first school many years ago.
I would also like to point out that she was not drunk or on drugs, however she was racing with a girl in a second car behind her, something that the 2 never told the courts...
Well, lets just hope she can learn from her mistakes when she gets out of prison”
by Claire, Stone
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 9:19AM
“Lewis - an accident is something which was unavoidable. She was going 50mph in a 30, if she was going the speed limit then she probably wouldn't have lost control of the vehicle, and Mr Mullen would still be alive.”
by Warren, Meir
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 7:26AM
“Lewis Cunningham... Bristol.. No, she was not drunk or on drugs, well spoted. Not so well spoted is the fact you missed that she was going 20mph over the speed limit, and killed a fellow road user. If she is jailed, she will do a short sentance and then be free to carry on with her life, we can not say the same for the poor man who passed away.”
by Lewis Cunningham, bristol
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 12:18AM
“its a sad sad accident and that is what it is an accident, I feel for the family, Mr Mullen and all concerned, however Sophie was not under the influence of drugs/drink and tried to avoid something in the road and lost control, how many people driving under the influence of drugs/drink, no licenses, no insurance plus much more do such things and do not get a custodial sentence, surely these are the people the judge needs to make an example of not a young upstanding girl who made a bad judgement in the few years she has been driving,”
by alex, ashley
Tuesday, July 28 2009, 1:10PM
“good on judge eades, the only judge who says what a waste time the justice system and would like pass sentences that match the crime, top judge”