Driver acquitted following fatal cyclist collision

A man has been cleared of responsibility after a cyclist died in a collision on a narrow rural road. Thomas Gibbs faced charges over the death of 47-year-old Ben Jacobs on Church Road in Bentley, near Ipswich, on 17 May 2023.

The incident occurred about a mile from Mr Gibbs residence when his silver Volkswagen Passat struck Mr Jacobs, who was cycling with three companions. The trial lasted five days at Ipswich Crown Court, and a 12-member jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict within an hour.

Judge Richard Kelly commented on the verdict, stating, "Cases like this are always challenging for juries. In situations like these, there are no real winners."

Ben Jacobs wife, Faye, was present in the public gallery during the announcement of the verdict. Mr Gibbs, a chartered accountant and tax adviser, had been returning from a day of work in London, departing Manningtree station at approximately 18:51 GMT. Evidence suggested he had worn earphones and used his phone earlier, but not in the minutes immediately preceding the crash.

At the same time, Mr Jacobs, a father of three from Rushmere St Andrew, was riding 30 miles with Darren Cook, David Solomon, and Jason Taylor on racing bicycles. They traveled in single-file at around 22mph under ideal conditions.

The collision occurred as Mr Jacobs, positioned third in the group, approached a gentle bend. He was thrown into the air and landed on the roadside verge, sustaining a severe brain injury. He passed away the following day at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. Another cyclist, Mr Solomon, was also injured.

Prosecutor Charles Myatt argued that Mr Gibbs had been driving carelessly and in a hurry to reach his children, citing his initial statement to police. The defense, led by James Leonard KC, described the crash as low-speed, with Mr Gibbs traveling no faster than 30mph and leaving a safe passing distance.

Forensic investigator PC Mark Head confirmed the collision was not high-speed and that Mr Gibbs had reacted appropriately. The judge also noted that foliage partially obstructed both the drivers and cyclists views, with the cyclists entering Gibbs line of sight only 1.6 seconds before impact.

Throughout the proceedings, families and friends of both the victim and the defendant attended court. Judge Kelly praised their conduct, saying supporters on both sides had remained "remarkably well behaved and dignified."

Author: Benjamin Carter