Craig Gough sentenced for death by dangerous driving

Driver sentenced for death by dangerous driving

A driver has today been jailed for causing the death of a cyclist by dangerous driving.

Craig Gough, aged 36, of Colwinston, Vale of Glamorgan, previously pleaded guilty to causing the death of Jack Berry by dangerous driving after he collided with a group of cyclists on the A48 between the Cowbridge by-pass and Pentre Meyrick in the morning of October 28, 2017.

Today at Cardiff Crown Court, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for five and a half years.

Former soldier Mr Berry, aged 26, was cycling with two friends when the group were hit by a Skoda Octavia driven by Gough.

The court heard Gough had not been conscious for around 15 seconds before the fatal crash.

Mr Berry, who worked as a chef at the Bush Inn, St Hilary, died at the scene. The two men with him were also injured in the collision.

PC Matthew Deschoolmeester, lead collision investigator, said: “The family of Jack Berry have shown considerable strength throughout the investigation in to the death of a much-loved husband, son and brother.

Our thoughts remain with them at this time.

“A morning cycle ride with three friends ended in tragedy due to Craig Gough’s actions. He knowingly drove while deprived of adequate sleep or rest and lost consciousness while driving in this case.

“His actions have resulted in the death of Mr Berry which has left his family and friends heartbroken.

“I hope this case sends a stark message to other motorists that a lapse in concentration such as from tiredness can lead to tragic circumstances such as this. We would also like to highlight the importance for motorist to give cyclists plenty of room whilst overtaking – this should be the same amount of room as they would give for overtaking a car which is typically around 1.5m.”