Death of Jim Fleming in Gerrards Cross was second tragedy for family

Jessie Sims said she was “glad the truth has come out” after Mr Fleming died instantly when he was hit by a car while he was cycling to work along the A413 at Gerrards Cross on April 1 last year.

His killer, Ali Altuntas, was last week jailed for five years for causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

But Mrs Sims, from Denham, said the fatal crash had been a “shock” to her after her father was also killed in a tragic cycling accident in January 1943.

Alexander Fleming, a Home Guard officer, died when a load of timber came off a lorry and crushed him as he was cycling home near Gerrards Cross.

Mrs Sims said both accidents “should never have happened”.

“It was like going back in time,” she said. “It wasn't the same sort of accident but it was such a shock this had happened again.

“Everyone in Denham was stunned. It just stunned everybody because it shouldn't have happened.

“A second either way, he wouldn't have been killed.”

Referring to the collision that caused Jim's death, she said: “We'd heard there was an accident on the road but it wasn't until 4.30pm I had a phone call because nobody knew who to contact.

“If I had known it was a cyclist I would have known it could have been him.”

Mr Fleming, 47, was on his way to work as a haywarden with Chalfont St Peter Parish Council, who in the days after the tragedy set up a fund for his son, William.

He was left orphaned by the collision after his mother Pam died from cancer three years ago.

Mrs Sims said William's character had been “marvellous” in the 17 months since his father's death.

She added: “Jim would never have let the council down. He was so punctual.

“He was a well-liked man. Not many people like to do the sort of work that he does.”

Speaking of the accident, she said: “I'm glad the truth has come out. I think the family are now very relieved and can move on again.”