A man has admitted to causing the death of two cyclists in a fatal crash on the A40 in Wycombe.
Clifford Rennie, aged 60, has pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving after two much-loved cyclists were killed in a horrific smash on the A40 Wycombe Road in Studley Green on June 1, 2020.
Damien Natale, 52, and Andy Coles, 56, both from Haddenham, were on their way home during a training ride when they were struck from behind by Rennie, who was driving a Volkswagen Golf, on a 60mph stretch of the road.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and attempted to save their lives, but they both died from their injuries in the crash.
The two friends had co-founded events company Allezsportives, and organised many charity bike ride events together.
More than a year after the crash, Rennie, of Wantage Road in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, was charged with causing their deaths, and he has now admitted to his crimes.
Matthew Claxson, from law firm Moore Barlow, represented Damien and Andy’s families at today’s hearing at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.
Speaking after the pleas were entered, Mr Claxson said: “Carelessness on the roads can have tragic consequences.
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“For Damien and Andy’s families they will forever have to live with the impact of losing a loved one.
“The verdict of today’s plea hearing means both families can start to rebuild their lives after the trauma they’ve faced over the last 12 months.
“Both families have found it hard to come to terms with the distinct difference between the charge of careless driving over dangerous driving.
“Both instances can result in a fatality, yet the severity of the punishment remains significantly dissimilar. This case acts as a timely reminder that the sentencing for death by careless driving should be revisited.”
Rennie is due to be sentenced following a pre-sentence report. The date of his next court appearance has yet to be confirmed.
He has also been issued with an interim driving disqualification ahead of his sentencing.
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