HGV driver who killed cyclist given eight years

A tipper lorry driver in Oxford under the influence of cocaine and who caused a fatal road traffic collision that led to the death of a cyclist on a roundabout has been jailed for eight years.

Robert Whiting, 40, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving at a court hearing in August.

On 1 March this year, Oxford university scientist Dr Suet Ling Felce was cycling on The Plain roundabout in the city when she was hit by Whiting’s 32-tonne tipper truck. She sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Whiting was arrested the same day and charged on 2 March.

A statement released by Thames Valley Police following Felce’s death, it said she left behind two children aged three and five and her husband of eight years, James.

Sergeant Dominic Mahon, senior investigating officer of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Mr Whiting made a deliberate choice that day to drive a 32-tonne tipper lorry which he was not licensed or trained to drive, while still under the influence of the cocaine he had taken the night before.

“He completely failed to see Dr Felce, who was clearly visible ahead of him for at least 400 metres.

“Tragically his dangerous driving directly led to the completely avoidable death of Dr Felce.

“I hope the significant sentence imposed today will act as a warning to other drivers who believe the rules of the road do not apply to them.”