A man who collided with a 91-year-old man while riding his e-bike, resulting in the elderly man’s death as he was taking out his bins, has been acquitted in court.
The incident occurred when Clifford Cage, on his way to work, veered onto the pavement and struck Jim Blackwood. Following the collision on July 6, 2023, Blackwood was hospitalized, but his health deteriorated, leading to his passing on October 13, three months later.
It was acknowledged that Blackwood’s death was directly caused by the impact, despite his age and fragility. As a result, Cage, 68, faced manslaughter charges, marking a legal precedent according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Today at Maidstone Crown Court, Cage received a 15-month suspended sentence for two years. After the conclusion of the hearing, Cage and Blackwood’s daughter, Christine White, shared a moment of embrace in the courtroom, as reported by Birmingham Live.
Following the court proceedings, White emphasized the significance of the judgment in holding cyclists accountable for endangering pedestrians. She stressed the importance of abiding by the law and the consequences for illegal actions.
Cage explained to authorities that he resorted to cycling on the pavement along City Way, Rochester, due to previous close calls with vehicles on the road. He expressed remorse for the tragic incident, stating that he did not see Blackwood before the collision occurred unexpectedly.
In a poignant statement delivered in court, Blackwood’s wife, Hanni Blackwood, mourned the loss of her husband, highlighting his military service history and the irony of his passing outside their home.
Cage’s defense counsel, Danny Moore KC, portrayed Cage as a responsible individual who remained at the scene and attempted to assist. Moore emphasized Cage’s awareness of the grave consequences of his actions and the remorse he feels.
As part of his sentence, Cage was assigned a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 180 hours of unpaid work. The CPS considered this case a significant milestone, representing the first manslaughter conviction linked to cycling on the pavement. District crown prosecutor Matt Beard explained the unique legal considerations involved in the case and the decision to pursue manslaughter charges.