Mansfield Town’s Lucas Akins jailed for causing cyclist’s death

A professional footballer has been jailed for 14 months for causing the death of a cyclist in a crash in West Yorkshire.

Adrian Daniel, 33, died 10 days after he was struck by a Mercedes G350 being driven by Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, near Huddersfield in March 2022.

Akins, 36, of Heys Road in Thongsbridge, Holmfirth, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Daniel’s wife, Savanna, said his death had been “like hell – the nightmare I’ll never wake up from.”

Mrs Daniel added: “He was a great father, son and husband and his legacy will always be to live life to the full.”

Mr Daniel, from Meltham, was cycling along Huddersfield Road in Netherton on 17 March when he was collided with Mr Akins’ vehicle as the footballer pulled out in front of him at the junction with Crosland Factory Lane.

The court heard the crash was captured on Mr Daniel’s helmet camera, and that he was not breaking the speed limit on his bike and had adopted an appropriate position in the middle of the lane.

Judge Alex Menary said Akins, whose previous clubs include Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion, did not check left and right before pulling out.

Had he paused for more time it would have allowed Mr Daniel to travel through any blind spot, the judge added.

Akins, who showed no emotion as he was sentenced, was also banned from driving for 12 months.

In a statement, Mansfield Town said it was “considering its position with regards to Lucas”.