Lucas Akins returns to Mansfield after serving jail time for causing death of cyclist while driving

Daniel, a father of one who was riding home from work, suffered catastrophic head injuries and died in hospital 10 days later. His helmet camera captured the incident.

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Lucas Akins is playing football in League One. In a few weeks, he could be in prison

The Grenada winger is still being picked by Mansfield despite pleading guilty to causing the death of a cyclist in 2022

Mansfield, the League One club that continued to field Akins after he had admitted causing death by careless driving ahead of a trial in March, issued a statement on Thursday saying Akins’ registration had been retained, and that he has been reintegrated with the first-team squad. His contract expired in the summer.

“In line with principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, the club is of the view that Lucas, having served his sentence, should be afforded the opportunity to resume his professional career,” the club statement read.

“Lucas has reiterated his profound remorse for the events of that day and fully recognises the enduring impact this tragedy has had on the family of Mr Daniel.”

Mansfield reiterated its condolences to Daniel’s family. “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragic accident,” the statement read.

Akins’ last appearance for Mansfield came in the 5-1 defeat to Reading on April 21. He played the full match. In June, Mansfield said “the club is considering its position with regards to Lucas”.

The cyclist’s widow, Savanna Daniel, read out a victim impact statement in court which asked the judge to spare Akins jail to prevent further suffering following the accident three years ago. Akins is a father of three and had his youngest daughter, then aged seven months, in the car at the time of the incident.

Judge Alex Menary ruled that Akins emerged from the junction “when it was not safe to do so,” and did not carry out the required safety checks. Daniel, Judge Menary noted, had been cycling safely in the correct position on the road and was travelling under the speed limit.

Character statements on behalf of Akins described him as a good role model professionally and privately, hard-working and a devoted father. He has no previous convictions.

(Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)