League One footballer Lucas Akins has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for causing the death of a cyclist in 2022. Adrian Daniel, 33, died of a ‘catastrophic’ head injury 10 days after he was struck by Akins’ Mercedes in March 2022.
Last month, Akins admitted causing Daniel’s death by careless or inconsiderate driving, and his driving licence was immediately revoked. Daniel, from Meltham, was cycling on Huddersfield Road in Netherton on March 17 when he was hit at the junction with Crosland Factory Lane. Leeds Crown Court heard that Akins, who says he did not see the cyclist before turning right, should have given way to Daniel.
Akins will serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence. The 36-year-old is banned from driving for a year.
Prosecuting, Carmel Pearson KC said: “Adrian Daniel was riding his bicycle and was travelling downhill on Huddersfield Road, heading towards the same junction. He was wearing a headcam that recorded his journey, and footage shows him in a good condition. Crossland Factory Lane forms at a T junction, with Huddersfield Road at a give-way junction.
“The defendant on the footage, albeit was driving slowly, pulled out at the give way junction and struck Adrian Daniel. It was too late for Adrian Daniel to brake and he suffered a catastrophic head injury.”
Judge Alex Menary told Akins: “It is plain to me you are someone who is highly unlikely to trouble the courts again. There is strong personal mitigation here. However, it seems to be the appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.”
Daniel left behind a wife and a stepdaughter. In an impact statement, Savanna Daniel, his wife, revealed that she had left her hospital job because she “cannot set foot in a hospital” due to the trauma left beind by sitting with her husband during his final days. She added: “All I know, I cannot do any more because I cannot walk through that door.”
Acknowledging that Akins also has a young family, she added: “His wife and children shouldn’t have to live the life we have since that day.
“Adrian survived a terrible accident 11 years ago. I’m not a spiritual person, but I believe he survived that to find us, to show Evie what a dad was and me what true love was.
“I can say I have learned to live life without him and live it to the full, but that doesn’t excuse Mr Akins’ actions. Three years of hell, of avoidance and adding further to my trauma, has finally come to a close today.”
Tim Pole KC, representing Akins, said: “The fact he caused the death of Mr Daniel continues to dominate his thoughts and it’s a burden he will carry for the rest of his life.
“He understands the frustration and anger at the delay of pleading guilty. He’s sorry for any additional distress the delay caused. But his remorse is genuine, and his thoughts and the thoughts of his family remain with the family of Mr Daniel.”
Pole pointed out that Akins’ football career would likely be over should his client receive a custodial sentence. The footballer, who had no previous convictions, had been going through a divorce around the time of the incident, the court was told.
Akins continued to play for Mansfield after he pleaded guilty on March 4. His inclusion after he entered his plea prompted debate among the wider football community.
The midfielder made 39 appearances for Mansfield this season, scoring four goals. As part of an 18-year career, mostly spent in the EFL, Akins has played for teams such as Huddersfield, Tranmere, Stevenage and Burton.
