Lucas Akins, a professional footballer for Mansfield Town, has been sentenced to 14 months in jail for the death of cyclist Adrian Daniel in a crash in West Yorkshire. The incident occurred when Akins, driving a Mercedes G350, collided with Daniel near Huddersfield in March 2022. Daniel, 33, passed away 10 days after the accident, leading to Akins’ guilty plea for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. The tragic event left Daniel’s wife, Savanna, devastated, describing it as a never-ending nightmare and expressing the unnecessary loss of her husband.
The court revealed that Adrian Daniel, a resident of Meltham, was on his way home from work when the fatal crash happened on Huddersfield Road in Netherton. The collision, captured on Daniel’s helmet camera, showed that he was abiding by the speed limit and had positioned himself correctly on the lane. Judge Alex Menary noted that Akins, who did not check for incoming traffic on either side, could have prevented the accident by taking more time before pulling out onto the road. Akins, a Grenada international, will also face a 12-month driving ban as part of his sentencing.
In response to Akins’ sentencing, Mansfield Town expressed their condolences to Adrian Daniel’s family. The club stated that they are deliberating their stance on Akins in light of the tragic incident but refrained from further comment at this time. Akins, who maintained a stoic demeanor during sentencing, had been driving his daughter to a piano lesson when the crash occurred. Mrs. Daniel criticized Akins for not confessing his guilt sooner but emphasized her desire for no further suffering to ensue from the tragedy.
Despite Akins expressing remorse for his actions, Judge Menary maintained that immediate custody was the most appropriate form of punishment. Akins’ defense attorney, Tim Pole, conveyed Akins’ remorse and the weight of his actions on his client. Mrs. Daniel, however, expressed frustration at the prolonged legal process, labeling it a mockery of Akins’ remorse. The sentiment of grief and loss echoed throughout the courtroom, emphasizing the gravity of the situation for all involved
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