Woman cleared of killing cyclist in crowdfund case

Ahairdresser was cleared of killing a 70-year-old cyclist by careless driving in what is believed to be the first crowdfunded private prosecution in Britain.

Gail Purcell, 59, was accused of failing to spot teacher Michael Mason as he rode along Regent Street, in central London, even though he was cycling in front of her with lights on his bike.

Her Nissan car hit Mr Mason, throwing him into the air and leading him to land in the road head first, the court heard.

Mr Mason suffered a severe brain injury and died days after the collision in February 2014, having never regained consciousness.

After the crash, Ms Purcell pulled up and was heard to say: “I’m the driver. It was me. Is he OK? I just didn’t see him,” the jury was told.

In police interview, she told officers: “I didn’t see anybody from my left... it’s like they came from the sky.”

An Old Bailey jury took 17 minutes to clear Ms Purcell, of St Albans, Herts, of causing his death by careless driving.

Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund said it had taken up the case after the Metropolitan Police refused to refer it to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The organisation brought the prosecution with support from more than 2,000 people, who donated more than £80,000 to help fund the case.

Anna Tatton-Brown, Mr Mason’s daughter, said: “My family and I respect the decision the jury have reached, although we are obviously disappointed.

“It seems that failing to be aware of what’s in front of you while you’re driving is an acceptable mistake, not careless, and that no explanation for that failure is necessary.

“We do, however, draw some comfort from the fact that the evidence was finally put to a jury, something that should have happened long ago.

“It should not have taken the intervention of CDF, and the support of many members of the public, to bring this case to court. We would hope the police will now conduct a review into their investigation.”