Suspended Sentence for E-bike Rider in Fatal Incident
An e-bike rider who struck and killed a 91-year-old man on a pavement outside his home has been sentenced to a suspended jail term.
Clifford Cage, 50, from The Fairway in Rochester, admitted to manslaughter during a hearing held in October.
Details of the Incident and Victim
Jim Blackwood, a veteran who served in the Army for 26 years, died from internal injuries three months after the collision occurred while he was taking out his recycling in Rochester in July 2023.
Cage received a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Maidstone Crown Court.
The court was informed that Cage was travelling at a speed between 10 and 12 mph when he collided with Blackwood just before 07:00 BST.
Cage chose to cycle on the pavement along City Way due to having experienced "two near misses" while riding on the road, the hearing was told.
He told police that he had not considered riding on the pavement to be an issue or illegal, but he accepted that he should not have been on the path.
Cage also told officers he was uncertain about his exact speed but stated it was not "flat out".
Impact on the Family
In a victim impact statement read on her behalf, Blackwood's daughter, Christine White, described the devastating effect her father's death had on the family.
She said he had been active, still driving, managing the household, and maintaining the garden.
She added that her mother, Hanni, was "lost" without him and that it was painful to witness her suffering.
Defendant's Remorse and Court Remarks
Danny More KC, representing Cage, stated that the defendant understood the profound and permanent loss and pain caused.
"Knowing his actions have caused the death of another human being will be carried with him for the rest of his life,"
he told the court.
"He wishes the court to know, and hopes court accepts, his remorse is genuine."
Moore also noted that Cage remained at the scene and did what he could to assist.
Calls for Education and Legal Updates
Last year, Blackwood's family called for improved education on the dangers of e-bikes and mandatory training in schools.
Following the court hearing, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson described Blackwood's death as a "terrible incident" and extended condolences to his family.
"The safety of all road users and pedestrians is vital which is why we are bringing in new offences and tougher penalties for dangerous cycling and updating century-old legislation, ensuring anyone who recklessly puts others at risk faces the full force of the law."
The DfT added that police have the authority to seize any vehicles, including e-cycles, that do not comply with regulations or are used illegally or antisocially.
The Crime and Policing Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, includes new offences related to dangerous cycling that could result in jail terms and fines.
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