A tragic incident has resulted in the death of an 81-year-old cyclist after being struck by a motorist who was distracted by social media. James Lawley was riding his blue racing tricycle when he was hit by Matthew Isherwood, 28, who was using Snapchat and Instagram moments before the collision. The court heard that Isherwood had been taking selfies and texting on the apps seconds before the crash.
After the initial impact, Mr. Lawley lay helpless in the road and was subsequently run over by another driver, Kevin Dawson, 64. Emergency services arrived at the scene on Oxcliffe Road in Heaton-with-Oxcliffe, Morecambe, on September 21, 2024. Despite paramedics' efforts, Mr. Lawley, from Heysham, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sentencing at Preston Crown Court
On Monday, June 8, 2026, Isherwood and Dawson were sentenced at Preston Crown Court. Isherwood, of Granville Road, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and received a sentence of five years and two months. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and seven months and must pass an extended retest to drive again.
Dawson, of Hale Carr Lane, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 20 months, and given a 26-week electronic curfew. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months and must pass an extended retest.
Investigation Details
Following the collision, a comprehensive investigation was launched, including forensic collision evidence, reconstruction work, and digital forensic inquiries. It revealed that Isherwood had used his mobile phone multiple times during his journey that morning. Data from his phone showed he started his journey at 7:41 AM and had only been driving for four minutes before hitting Mr. Lawley. Within those four minutes, he took and sent a selfie on Snapchat, sent messages to three people, viewed photos and videos on Instagram, and sent a message to a fifth person just seconds before the collision.
Three minutes after the crash, Isherwood sent another Snapchat message stating, "I've just hit someone." Dawson claimed he did not realize he had hit Mr. Lawley, stating he thought he had hit rubble in the road and therefore did not stop. However, officers identified his Mercedes C200, and the Roads Policing Unit intercepted the vehicle on the Bay Gateway, where he was arrested. Isherwood was arrested at the scene.
Impact and Reminder
Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson commented: "James Lawley was a lifelong cyclist and a member of many prominent north west cycling clubs. At the time of the collision he was riding to marshal at a cycle race in Hampson Green. But instead, as a result of these two collisions, James very sadly lost his life." He added, "Whilst no sentence will ever be enough to make up for the loss of his life, I welcome the fact Isherwood and Dawson have been held accountable for their actions on that tragic morning. My hope is that this devastating case will act as an impactful reminder of the fatal consequences of using your mobile phone whilst driving, driving dangerously and carelessly, and the lifelong impact these actions can have on all people involved."
The case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of distracted driving and the severe legal consequences that follow.
