Mansfield striker Lucas Akins has been jailed for 14 months for causing the death of a cyclist he struck while retiring from a junction.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Adrian Daniel, 33, died 10 days after being hit by Akins, who was leading his seven -year -old daughter in a piano lesson at a Mercedes Gagon, in Huddersfield, in March 2022.
Daniel was riding down Huddersfield Road, in the city of West Yorkshire, on his way home when Grenada International Akins, 36, withdrew his way from Crosland Factory Lane.
Prosecutors said player Sky Bet League One failed to stop at the donation sign, which the defendant discussed, telling police officers that he did not see Daniel approaching.
On Thursday, Judge Alex Menary said he had considered the suspension of the prison mandate, but had decided that only an immediate sentence of 14 months was appropriate.
Akins, from Holmfirth, admitted that he caused death by driving a careless car at a previous session.
Carmel Pearson, following criminally, said the clash was recorded in Daniel’s headcam.
He suffered catastrophic injuries to his head and died 10 days later in the hospital.
The prosecutor said it was a “difficult intersection to get out of” but the defendant “did not stop at the sign of the road.”
Daniel’s wife Savanna read a statement in court, describing her husband as “an adrenaline junkie” who rode his bike to and from work every day.
She said they had been married a year before she died and Adrian Daniel was fully committed to her and her daughter from a previous relationship.
Savanna Daniel told the judge: “It has been like hell and a nightmare I am not awakening.
“There was no reason for Adrian to be killed that way.”
She said that if the drug, drink or excess speed were involved, it could make it more understandable, but added: “This was a very simple collision to take a life.”
She said she knows that Akins has a new family and does not want them to grow up without their father.
She added: “We don’t need more life to be destroyed by this.”
But she criticized her for failing to accept guilt at an early stage.
My pole, defending, told the judge: “I want to apologize publicly in his name.
“The fact that he caused Daniel’s death continues to prevail his thoughts and is a burden he will hold for the rest of his life.”
Pole said his client understood the “frustration and anger” expressed by Savanna Daniels for the time he had to plead guilty and said her words in court “had a profound influence on her.”
The lawyer said the clash happened when Akins had difficulties in his personal life and his marriage was now over, though he continues to co-owned his three young children.
Pole said, “He is essentially a good, honest and diligent individual.”
He said the player had “kept his employers’ support”, but added that this may not continue with an immediate sentence of custody.
Prison akins and disqualifying him from driving for 12 months, Judge Menary said, “It is clear to me you are someone who is unlikely to disturb the courts again.”
He said he had a strong personal mitigation, but concluded: “Against this, it seems that the right punishment can only be achieved with immediate custody.”
The judge said he acknowledged that Akin’s repentance was true, but also said his failure to admit his guilt at an early stage extended Savanna Daniel’s “pain and grief”.
Akins has played for Mansfield since 2022 and previously was with clubs including Huddersfield, Tranmere and Burton.
In a statement issued through West Yorkshire police, Mrs. Daniel said: “Three years of hell, three years of avoidance and further adding my trauma has finally ended today with Akins’ sentences.
“Never allowing to fully live the reality of Adrian’s absence because of the farce Akins has made from the justice system and the chances offered to him are finally put in bed and this man is no longer deserved for any time or concern.
“No power is held on me or my family anymore and no justice will ever return Adrian.
“This could have been resolved faster and this is further insult to damage and makes a mock of any repentance that Akins offers for his actions.”
