Warren Trotman died when he was hit by David Stanley’s Transit van. Stanley pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, saying that he did not see Trotman. The incident was described as a “moment of inattention”.
Report mention that Trotman was not wearing reflective clothing, but do not suggest that he was not using lights or was in any other way not meeting his legal obligations. Sergeant Richard Moors of Staffordshire Police is nonetheless reported as saying, following Stanley’s conviction and the apparent recognition of his inattention, that “cyclists need to consider their visibility”.
In May 2017, Stanley was given 175 hours’ community service, was ordered to pay £3,500 in fines and costs, and received the minimum 12 month driving ban.