Two men have been jailed after an 81-year-old cyclist died when he was struck by two vehicles, moments after one of the drivers sent a selfie on Snapchat. Police were called to Oxcliffe Road in Heaton-with-Oxcliffe, Morecambe, on September 21, 2024, where James Lawley was found seriously injured after being hit while riding his racing tricycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics' efforts, according to LancsLive.
Court Details
Preston Crown Court heard that the first driver had been taking a selfie on Snapchat and messaging on Instagram shortly before, and even after, striking the pensioner. Matthew Isherwood, 28, of Granville Road, Morecambe, was driving a black Seat Altea when he collided with Lawley's tricycle, causing him to fall into the road. He was then run over by a silver Mercedes C200 that did not stop at the scene. The Mercedes driver, Kevin Dawson, 64, of Hale Carr Lane, Morecambe, was later tracked down by officers on the Bay Gateway and arrested.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the fatal incident examined forensic collision evidence, reconstruction work, and digital forensics. It concluded that Isherwood was using his mobile phone on multiple occasions during his journey that morning. Phone data retrieved from his device showed he started his journey at 7:41am. Just four minutes into the journey, the crash occurred. In that time, Isherwood had taken a selfie on Snapchat, sent messages to three people on the app, scrolled his Instagram feed, and sent messages on that app. Three minutes after the collision, he sent another message on Snapchat saying, 'I've just hit someone.'
Dawson told officers he did not realise he had hit James, claiming he thought he had hit some rubble in the road, so he did not think he needed to stop.
Sentences
Isherwood pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced on Monday, June 8, to five years and two months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and seven months and must pass an extended retest. Dawson pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for 20 months. He received a 26-week electronic curfew and was disqualified from driving for 18 months, with an extended retest required.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'Here I find myself leading yet another investigation into the death of a person caused by a driver using their mobile phone whilst driving. The dangers of doing so couldn't be clearer, but we still find motorists who take unnecessary and unlawful risks behind the wheel which can, and does, lead to devastating consequences.'
'Kevin Dawson's actions also played a significant part in the death of James Lawley. Other vehicles ahead of him negotiated around James as he lay in the road, but due to his inattention behind the wheel, Dawson did not. The poor standard of his driving was further demonstrated by his lack of recognition of what had occurred as he left the scene.'
'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. Whilst no sentence will ever be enough to make up for the loss of his life, I welcome the fact that 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.'
