13-hour-shift taxi driver hit and killed cyclist after falling asleep
A TAXI driver who had been working for 13 hours “ploughed into” three cyclists, killing one and injuring two when he fell asleep at the wheel.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Craig Gough should have had 15 seconds to see the cyclists and react, but evidence showed he did not make any attempt to brake or steer away.
Judge Eleri Rees said: “No sentence passed by this court can reflect the loss of life or lessen the grief of those who have lost a loved one in such a manner.”
The court heard the incident occurred just after 7am on Saturday, October 28, last year on the A48 near Pentre Meyrick.
Prosecutor David Pugh said the defendant, a taxi driver based in Bridgend, had completed a long overnight shift of more than 13 hours during which he took at least 33 fares.
Gough, who was self-employed and working for Dragon Taxis, was driving a Skoda Octavia at the time of the collision, which was found to have no mechanical defects.
The court heard he was seen on CCTV stopping briefly to get food at a McDonald’s drive-thru just after 6am before driving to Cardiff.
Prosecutors said cyclists Jack Berry, Andrew Hooker and Matthew Simmonds met at the Bush Inn pub in St Hilary, near Cowbridge.
Mr Hooker, who was described as an “extremely experienced” cyclist, was the pub landlord and Mr Berry was a chef.
Prosecutors said they had been riding together for about a year and were planing a ride to Ogmore-by-Sea, all dressed in reflective clothing and with appropriate bike lights.
A collision report found the weather was dry and the visibility was good meaning the driver should have had 367m, or 15 seconds, to see the cyclists and respond.
The court heard the three friends were riding in single file with Mr Hooker at the front, Mr Simmonds in the centre, and Mr Berry at the back.
Mr Pugh said: “The defendant struck all three.”
Investigators found Gough did not make any attempt to brake or steer away.
Mr Pugh added: “The defendant did not stop.”
The court heard Gough continued to the brow of the hill before doing a U-turn and returning to the scene. In the meantime a passing van driver stopped, called 999, and administered first aid until the ambulance arrived.
Mr Berry, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene at 8am and his friends were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.
Pathologist Dr Meleri Morgan found the cause of death to be traumatic head injury.
Mr Hooker was knocked unconscious and suffered injuries including cuts and bruising to his left shoulder and hip along with extensive bruising and swelling.
Mr Simmonds suffered cuts to