Judge Paul Hobson entered the courtroom at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday as the sentencing hearing began for Teddy Picton, the 20-year-old driver who caused the death of cyclist Brad Craven. Picton, of Cog Road, Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, appeared in the dock while members of the victim’s family sat in the public gallery.
Prosecutor Dan Jones opened the case, detailing the events of May 17, when Craven, a 72-year-old retired social worker from Roath, was cycling with his brother on their routine morning ride. The collision occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Dunleavy Drive in the Grangetown area of Cardiff. Craven’s bike was involved in a head-on collision with Picton’s car.
Victim's Injuries and Death
Craven was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but never regained consciousness. He died from his injuries on Friday, June 20, more than a month after the crash. Picton had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving prior to the sentencing hearing.
At the time of Craven’s death, his family released a statement describing him as a confident and experienced cyclist. “He was with his brother on their usual morning cycle when he suffered fatal injuries and did not regain consciousness following a head-on collision,” the family said. “Brad, a retired social worker at Llandough Hospital, will be remembered by all as a very thoughtful and caring man who always put the welfare of others before his own.”
Court Proceedings
The sentencing hearing began with Judge Paul Hobson presiding. The prosecution outlined the circumstances of the crash, though further details of the driving that led to the charge were not immediately disclosed in the opening. Picton, who was 19 at the time of the incident, faces a potential prison sentence for the offense.
The case has drawn attention to road safety in Cardiff, particularly for cyclists. The collision occurred on a weekday morning on a road in Grangetown, an area with mixed traffic. Craven’s death has prompted renewed calls for safer cycling infrastructure in the city.
The hearing continues, with the judge expected to consider Picton’s guilty plea and any mitigating factors before delivering a sentence. The maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years in prison.
