Lucinda Collins Sentenced for Causing Death of Cyclist While Distracted

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A dentist who caused the death of a cyclist after being “distracted” by news of her father’s impending death has avoided jail, Chester Crown Court heard. Lucinda Collins, 40, was on a hands-free call with her mother while driving her BMW with her three-year-old daughter to a play date when the fatal crash occurred near Christleton, Cheshire.

Collins, described as “distracted” by the devastating update that nothing more could be done for her father, failed to observe ‘stop’ signs at a junction on Brown Heath Road between Waverton and Christleton on 25 August 2022.

Travelling at around 40mph, she did not brake before colliding with another BMW, which was then pushed into the path of 75-year-old cyclist Roger Dutton.

Mr Dutton, a retired builder from Holywell, North Wales, was remembered in court as a “much-loved” father, grandfather, and the “glue” of the Simply Grey Cycling Club. He was described as “remarkable,” “thriving” in retirement, and “challenging the stereotype of a 75-year-old pensioner”.

Collins, of Upton, Cheshire, admitted causing death by dangerous driving. During sentencing, she listened as Mr Dutton’s family described the devastation her actions had caused. His widow, Dale Dutton, said, “The emptiness is so big. We will never see his smiling face or hear his laughter again. The loss will be with us forever. He was everything to me.

I am broken. He was the light of our lives.” Their son, Joel, called his father his “hero and best friend,” while daughter Olivia told Collins, “You and your actions alone have left our family devastated and broken. I miss him to my very core”.

Judge Stephen Everett addressed Collins, saying, “Many will appreciate the irony of the news you received and the actions resulting in them. You received news of the impending death of your father, and, by your actions and distraction, you visited that same awful experience on the family sitting to my right.” He explained that because Collins had no previous convictions and was not considered a danger to the public, he would not impose an immediate custodial sentence.

Collins received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also banned from driving for five years, ordered to complete 250 hours of community service, and must pay £2,260 in costs. Turning to Mr Dutton’s family, Judge Everett said he had to “follow the law,” adding, “You may or may not agree with me”.

Prosecutor James Coutts told the court that Collins had taken a wrong turn after the call with her mother and admitted to police at the scene that she had simply lost concentration. The court heard how Mr Dutton was enjoying a summer ride when his life was cut short, leaving a lasting void in his family and community.