Alan Morris, 75, from Bradford-on-Avon, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for causing the death of 63-year-old cyclist Mary Emerson-Reed near Shaftesbury. The tragic crash occurred on the B3081 between Tollard Royal and Shaftesbury shortly before 11pm on June 23, 2023.
Mary, known as an experienced local cyclist, was riding with a friend—both wearing high-visibility clothing and using bicycle lights—when Morris struck her from behind while driving a Vauxhall Insignia. Morris initially claimed the glare from an oncoming vehicle prevented him from seeing Mary. However, forensic analysis proved that the cyclists were clearly visible from at least 200 metres due to their lights and reflective gear. Additionally, Morris was driving at approximately 69mph, exceeding the 60mph speed limit.
Following his guilty plea for death by careless driving, Morris was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on May 9. Besides his prison term, he received a 29-month driving disqualification, required to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence, and must pay a £187 surcharge.
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T/DC Alex Collins of Wiltshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team expressed condolences to Mary’s family and emphasized the gravity of careless driving. “Mary and her companion took all necessary precautions with lights and high-visibility clothing,” Collins said. “Morris had ample opportunity to see her but failed to do so, resulting in a fatal collision. This case underscores the critical need for full attention while driving, regardless of the time of day.”