Former Tranmere Rovers striker Lucas Akins has been jailed for 14 months after killing cyclist Adrian Daniel in a collision near Huddersfield while driving with his two young children in the car.
The 36-year-old, who currently plays for Mansfield Town and previously enjoyed spells with Burton Albion and Stevenage, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving on the first day of his trial.
The fatal incident occurred on Huddersfield Road in Netherton on 17 March 2022 as Akins exited Crosland Factory Road in his Mercedes G-Wagon. He was driving his seven-year-old daughter to a piano lesson and had his seven-month-old baby in the back seat.
Adrian Daniel, 33, a devoted father and husband, was travelling downhill on his bicycle. He was wearing a helmet-mounted camera which later showed the tragic moment of impact. Despite being in good condition and riding safely, Mr Daniel had no time to brake as Akins pulled out at a give-way junction.
Carmel Pearson, prosecuting at Leeds Crown Court, said: “The defendant didn’t give way at a give-way sign. The footage shows him, albeit driving slowly, pulling out and striking Adrian Daniel. It was too late for Mr Daniel to brake. He suffered a catastrophic head injury.”
Mr Daniel was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries 10 days later on 27 March. The cause of death was recorded as head trauma caused by a road traffic collision.
Judge Alex Menary told Akins: “The video shows you did not stop in the way required by law. If you had made the proper checks, you would have seen Mr Daniel. He was riding appropriately and was visible. You failed to give way and the result was devastating.”
Mr Daniel is survived by his wife Savanna and their 12-year-old daughter. In a powerful victim impact statement, Mrs Daniel said: “Three years of hell, of avoidance and adding further to my trauma has finally come to a close today. Nothing will bring Adrian back.”
The court heard that Akins, who has no prior convictions, had initially denied responsibility. His eventual guilty plea came just before trial, a delay which compounded the grief for the victim’s family.
Defence barrister Tim Pole offered a public apology on Akins’ behalf, stating: “The fact he caused the death of Mr Daniel continues to dominate his thoughts. He will carry this burden for the rest of his life.”
Judge Menary acknowledged Akins’ remorse but said the delay in accepting guilt had caused further pain for the family.
Akins played 87 games for Tranmere Rovers between 2010 and 2012 and has earned 119 career goals. He has also represented Grenada at international level.
He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and is expected to serve half before being released on licence.
