A man from Pontefract has received a prison sentence of 13 years for causing the death of a cyclist in a crash that occurred in South Elmsall. Additionally, he was convicted of failing to halt at the scene of the incident.
Today, Gregg Marsh, aged 24 and residing at Bracken Hill in Ackworth, was pronounced guilty of the offence of causing death by dangerous driving at Leeds Crown Court, on Monday, August 14. He was subsequently handed an 11-year and six-month driving ban.
The charges pertain to the passing of Shaun Parkin-Coates, aged 53, who lost his life in a collision on the A638 Doncaster Road on December 21, 2019.
Following the collision, despite his heavily damaged Ford Fiesta, Marsh continued to drive for approximately five miles before eventually being apprehended at his home address.
Detective Sergeant Paul Lightowler, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “Shaun was making his way home from work, with just a few days to go before Christmas, when one man’s selfish and reckless actions took away his future.
“He was wearing reflective clothing and had lights on his bike and backpack and had taken all sensible precautions that we would expect a cyclist to take when travelling at night.
“Marsh could have accepted responsibility for what he did on the night but instead chose to drive away. He again had the opportunity to accept responsibility for his actions in court but has not done so. Instead, he has maintained that he did not see Shaun and that there were no lights on his bike, a claim at odds with CCTV and eyewitness accounts.
“Before the collision, Marsh had been seen driving erratically and, on his arrest, had alcohol, cocaine and cannabis in his system. His behaviour and manner of driving that night was dangerous and sadly ultimately resulted in Shaun’s death.
“I hope the conclusion of the court case brings some closure for Shaun’s family and friends after what has been an absolutely unimaginable few years.”
