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Prison sentence for driver who admitted killing Fulwood cyclist

Posted on - 7th February, 2014 - 7:04pm | Author - | Posted in - Broughton, Crime, Fulwood, Preston News
Paul Fingleton was killed while cycling home in May 2012

Paul Fingleton was killed while cycling home in May 2012

A driver who was on his mobile phone has been jailed for killing a cyclist on the Broughton roundabout.

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Paul Fingleton, 47, was knocked down by Frank Wrathall of Strickens Lane, Barnacre, in May 2012.

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Devoted family man Fingleton was left with devastating head and spinal injuries following the collision with the Citreon van driven by Wrathall, a former touring car driver.

Mr Fingleton was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but died a few hours after arrival despite the best efforts of medical teams to save him.

Mr Wrathall admitted the charge of causing death of a cyclist by dangerous driving and has been sentenced to 21 months in prison.

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He admitted being on his mobile phone to his girlfriend at the time of the collision and for a total of eight miutes while driving the van.

Senior Investigating Officer Sergeant Dave Hogarth, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is an incredibly tragic case which highlights the significant dangers and most devastating consequences of using your mobile phone whilst driving.

“Wrathall was trying to manoeuvre his large white van with racing car in tow whilst on the phone to his girlfriend; he clearly wasn’t focussed on the road and his driving, but on his phone call.

“This case should serve as a severe warning to everyone that you should never use your mobile phone whilst driving.

“The past 21 months have been incredibly difficult for the Fingleton family and I hope today’s sentencing can provide them with some closure and help them as they continue to grieve for their loss.

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“Today our thoughts are with them and our specialist officers will continue to offer them support.”

Mr Fingleton, who was from Fulwood, leaves behind a wife Ann and daughter Hannah.

At the time of his death Mrs Fingleton said: “Hannah and I are completely devastated to have lost Paul so suddenly. Paul was a wonderful husband and father.

“He was at the heart of everything that we have ever done as a family and we will miss him terribly.”

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