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Motorist spared jail over death of veteran cyclist Leonard Grayson Motorist spared jail over death of veteran cyclist Leonard Grayson
(3 months later)
A driver who killed one of England's top veteran cyclists when he ploughed into him during a race has been spared jail after a court heard how his brief lapse of concentration led to a devastating accident that "could have happened to anybody".A driver who killed one of England's top veteran cyclists when he ploughed into him during a race has been spared jail after a court heard how his brief lapse of concentration led to a devastating accident that "could have happened to anybody".
Leonard Grayson, 75, died instantly when he was hit during a 100-mile time trial along the A19 near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in August. Peter Barraclough admitted causing his death by careless driving after he took his eyes off the road momentarily when a lorry on the opposite carriageway caught his attention.Leonard Grayson, 75, died instantly when he was hit during a 100-mile time trial along the A19 near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in August. Peter Barraclough admitted causing his death by careless driving after he took his eyes off the road momentarily when a lorry on the opposite carriageway caught his attention.
Barraclough, 30, from East Cowton near Northallerton, thought he had hit a bird before he stopped, looked in his mirror and realised he had careered into Grayson, Teesside crown court heard.Barraclough, 30, from East Cowton near Northallerton, thought he had hit a bird before he stopped, looked in his mirror and realised he had careered into Grayson, Teesside crown court heard.
Peter Makepeace, prosecuting, described the incident as extremely tragic.Peter Makepeace, prosecuting, described the incident as extremely tragic.
He said Grayson, who lived in Garforth, West Yorkshire with Kathleen, his wife of 49 years, was, by all accounts, a remarkable man who belied his years. "In his younger years he was a nationally renowned amateur cyclist winning many cups and trophies," he added.He said Grayson, who lived in Garforth, West Yorkshire with Kathleen, his wife of 49 years, was, by all accounts, a remarkable man who belied his years. "In his younger years he was a nationally renowned amateur cyclist winning many cups and trophies," he added.
Grayson, who has a daughter, gave up cycling in the 1960s to spend time with his family but returned to the sport in the 1980s and rekindled his success, the court heard. "He regained national recognition, this time as a veteran rider," Makepeace added.Grayson, who has a daughter, gave up cycling in the 1960s to spend time with his family but returned to the sport in the 1980s and rekindled his success, the court heard. "He regained national recognition, this time as a veteran rider," Makepeace added.
He said the cyclist took part in 100-mile-plus races against men half his age and had many friends in the cycling world and was well-respected.He said the cyclist took part in 100-mile-plus races against men half his age and had many friends in the cycling world and was well-respected.
Grayson had completed 83 miles of the route at an average speed of more than 20mph, a feat the judge described as an amazing capacity for a man of his age.Grayson had completed 83 miles of the route at an average speed of more than 20mph, a feat the judge described as an amazing capacity for a man of his age.
Barraclough had been working in nearby Topcliffe and was driving his Alfa Romeo along the A19 within the speed limit shortly before the accident, the court was told. "There's no evidence to suggest Mr Barraclough was speeding," Makepeace said.Barraclough had been working in nearby Topcliffe and was driving his Alfa Romeo along the A19 within the speed limit shortly before the accident, the court was told. "There's no evidence to suggest Mr Barraclough was speeding," Makepeace said.
He added that signs were in place warning motorists of the event, which Barraclough told police he had seen.He added that signs were in place warning motorists of the event, which Barraclough told police he had seen.
Accident investigators said Barraclough would have seen Grayson for at least nine seconds. But the defendant admitted he had been looking at a low-loader lorry on the opposite carriageway just before the crash.Accident investigators said Barraclough would have seen Grayson for at least nine seconds. But the defendant admitted he had been looking at a low-loader lorry on the opposite carriageway just before the crash.
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