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The family of a 72-year-old man who was left tetraplegic after a collision with a tractor have spoken of the devastating effect the incident has had on the whole family.
The driver of the offending vehicle was given an £80 fine, made to pay £85 costs and got 6 points on his licence when sentenced for driving without due care and attention.
Rod Bartley who rode for the North Shropshire Wheelers was cycling in Hope, North Wales on 11 January 2016 on a training ride from his home in Mold, when he collided with the tractor which turned right across his path. Mr Bartley was taken by air ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for treatment for catastrophic injuries to his spine which have left him tetraplegic.
He spent a further 3.5 months in rehabilitation at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injury at Gobowen, and is now in a specially adapted temporary home which is accessible for his wheelchair and with sufficient room to house his carers. His Daughters, Emma Johnson and Caroline Lloyd issued a joint statement following the sentencing of the driver at Mold Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month.
“This has been the most difficult time in our lives and we are very disappointed in the sentence as we do not think it is reflective of the severity of the injuries our Dad has endured. At 72 our Dad was one of the fittest people we knew, his life revolved around his family and his love and passion for cycling and golf.
“He now needs round the clock medical care from a team of carers who assist him with all aspects of his life. Words cannot describe how awful this has been for our Dad and the impact it has had on the whole family."
Mr Bartley, a long term member of British Cycling, has appointed their solicitors, Leigh Day, to pursue a claim for damages on his behalf.
