Neasden driver admits killing hero cyclist in Harrow collision
Clifton James was just around the corner from his home when he died in an road traffic collision (Photo: Metropolitan Police) - Credit: Archant
Mishal Alshammary, 32, collided with mechanic Clifton James, 60, as he rode his bike home from his garage across a mini-roundabout in Forward Drive.
Mr Clifton, a father-of-three, suffered serious head injuries in the crash just yards from his home at around midnight on 20 June 2015 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
He had previously been granted a police award for bravery after stopping the mugging of an elderly woman by hanging on to the attacker until officers arrived.
But modest Mr James, from Cullington Close, did not collected the award because he said did not want a fuss.
A statement released by his family shortly after the fatal incident said: “Cliff was the best, most amazing man we have ever known.”
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Alshammary, of Crest Road in Neasden, was due to stand trial on Monday for causing death by dangerous driving after his Ford S-Max ploughed into Mr James.
But he pleaded guilty to a less serious charge of causing death by careless driving after it was accepted he had not been driving over the 30mph speed limit at the time.
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Alshammary appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey, where he entered the plea through an Arabic interpreter.
Judge Anthony Bate adjourned the case until March 30 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and warned the defendant he could face jail.
“Given the gravity of the case and the sentencing guidelines, plainly the sentencing judge will need to be fully informed,” said the judge.
“Your guilty plea to an alternative charge has been accepted by the prosecution after careful consideration.
“The factual basis of the plea is set out in the digital file and will be outlined in more detail when we return for sentence.
“In order to ensure the judge who deals with this case has the fullest possible information about you, I am directing a pre-sentence report.
“But the guidelines make it clear that immediate custody may well be an option in this case for the judge to consider and you should prepare yourself for the potential disposal accordingly.”
Alshammary admitted one charge of causing death by careless driving and was released on bail before his sentence, expected to be on March 30.
A formal not guilty verdict was entered to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
