75-Year-Old Driver Jailed for Fatal Hit-and-Run on Cyclist
A 75-year-old man has been locked up after killing a cyclist in a shocking late-night smash near Shaftesbury. Mary Emerson-Reed, 63, a beloved local rider, was struck from behind on the B3081 country road between Tollard Royal and Shaftesbury at around 11pm on June 23, 2023.
Alan Morris, from Budbury Circle, Bradford on Avon, admitted death by careless driving at Salisbury Crown Court. Today, he was sentenced to 10 months behind bars. Morris also got slapped with a 29-month driving ban and faces a tough extended driving test before he can hit the road again.
Tragic Final Ride
Mary was cycling safely with a friend, both wearing high-visibility gear and riding fully lit bikes. But Morris’s Vauxhall Insignia smashed into her from behind. He had been speeding at 69mph – nearly 10mph over the limit.
Morris claimed glare from oncoming headlights blinded him, but forensic experts proved Mary was visible from 200 metres away. The reckless crash ended Mary’s life and devastated the community.
“No Excuse” for Careless Driving
“This is a heartbreaking case. Mary and her friend were doing everything right — they were visible, prepared, and cautious. Alan Morris had ample time to react but failed to do so, and the consequences were fatal.”
— T/DC Alex Collins, Wiltshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Team
Justice for Mary Emerson-Reed
Shaftesbury locals mourn Mary, remembered as a passionate cyclist who championed road safety. The judge branded Morris’s behaviour as one of the “fatal five” driving offences most likely to cause death or serious injury on UK roads.
Besides jail time and a driving ban, Morris must pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Know the Fatal Five That Kill on UK Roads
- Careless driving
- Speeding
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Drink and drug driving
- Driving while distracted (e.g., using mobile phones)
