Careless driver jailed for two years for killing “extraordinary” cyclist

The family of cyclist Adrian Hornby, who died in May 2020 after a collision with a rider, has paid tribute to an “extraordinary man” who “passed on his warmth, kindness and generosity to everyone he met” when The driver responsible for his death was sentenced to two years in prison last week.

Mr Hornby was riding his bicycle on Harewood Avenue in Leeds just after 8am on 27 May 2020 when he was hit by driver Aaron Salloway. The 57-year-old cyclist suffered serious head injuries in the collision. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for ten days before sadly succumbing to his injuries on June 7th.

Last Tuesday motorist Salloway was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by negligent driving at Leeds Crown Court. The 31-year-old has also had his driver’s license suspended for 35 months and will have to undergo an extended test before regaining his license.

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In a statement, Lindsey Pickles, from West Yorkshire Police’s Head Collision Investigation Team, urged motorists to keep their eyes on the road at all times and warned against using their phones while driving.

“This was a tragic case where someone unnecessarily lost their life. Adrian Hornby will be missed by many, including his wife, sons, extended family and friends,” said investigating officer DC Pickles.

“I would urge drivers to be aware of other road users and concentrate on their driving at all times. Distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone, endanger not only the driver but also the lives of others.

“Cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and drivers should allow extra time to ensure there is enough space to overtake and to prevent avoidable tragedies like this.”

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Following Salloway’s sentencing, Mr Hornby’s family honored an “extraordinary” husband and father.

“Adrian was an extraordinary man, blessed with an impressive intelligence who passed on his warmth, kindness and generosity to everyone he met,” the statement said.

“We never expected to lose him and this loss is absolutely heartbreaking.

“Aaron Salloway will have a very brief hiatus in his life as a result of his choices, his follies, but we are paying the price.

“The consequences for Adrian, me as his wife and our twin sons Rory and Alex have been disastrous. Adrian can no longer hug me, say everything will be fine and make everything right like he always did.

“We miss him today, we will miss him tomorrow and we will miss him for every following morning.”