Lucas Akins, a professional footballer for Mansfield Town, was jailed for 14 months for causing the death of cyclist Adrian Daniel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
The incident occurred on 17th March 2022, when Akins, driving his daughter to a piano lesson, pulled out from a junction on Crosland Factory Lane and hit Adrian, who died 10 days later from head injuries.
Akins, of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, admitted to causing death by careless driving but disputed failing to stop at a give-way sign.
The collision was recorded on Adrian’s headcam, showing Akins did not stop at the junction.
Judge Alex Menary decided on an immediate custodial sentence despite considering suspension due to the severity of the incident.
Adrian Daniel’s wife, Savanna, expressed her grief and criticized Akins for not pleading guilty earlier.
Akins’s defence highlighted his personal difficulties and expressed his remorse for the incident.
The court acknowledged Akins’s genuine remorse but noted that his delayed admission prolonged the victim’s family’s suffering.
Akins has played for several clubs, including Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers, before joining Mansfield Town in 2022.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and is unlikely to face further legal issues according to the judge.
Professional footballer jailed for death by careless driving
