Farm Worker Jailed Over Straw Bale Catastrophe That Left Cyclist Brain-Damaged for Life
A careless farm worker has been hit with a suspended jail sentence after a load of unsecured straw bales smashed onto a cyclist, causing catastrophic brain damage he’ll never recover from.
Matthew Shapcott’s Dangerous Driving Disaster
Matthew Shapcott, 40, from Silverton, pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday 12 January. The farm worker admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was handed 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work.
On August 2, 2019, Shapcott loaded a trailer with large straw bales but failed to secure them. Despite having ratchet straps in the vehicle, he left the cargo dangerously unsecured.
Straw Bale Hits Cyclist, Leaves Him in Coma
While driving through Netherexe near Exeter, one of the massive bales toppled from Shapcott’s trailer and struck a 69-year-old bicyclist. The man suffered a brain bleed and was comatose for 13 days.
He also endured two spinal fractures and other severe injuries. Tragically, the brain damage caused partial blindness and a lifetime of suffering, robbing him of a peaceful retirement.
Police Warn: Secure Your Load or Face Devastating Consequences
“This devastating incident was all entirely avoidable if Shapcott had simply secured the load,” said Motor Patrol Constable Hamilton-Schaschke.
“The victim’s quality of life and independence has been severely impaired. Shapcott’s lax attitude to a simple safety measure has had a catastrophic impact.
“This incident is a stark warning to all motorists: always secure your loads properly to avoid tragic accidents like this.”
