THE inquest into the death of a cyclist who tragically lost his life during a crash has been postponed again as criminal proceedings continue.
Roger Dutton, 75, died in a collision on Brown Heath Road in Christleton, at the junction with Rake Lane and Plough Lane, at around 3.45pm on Thursday, August 25, 2022.
Officers attended the scene following reports of the incident, and on arrival they found there had been a collision between a grey BMW X6, a blue BMW 330D and a cyclist.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, Mr Dutton, the cyclist, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cheshire Police issued an appeal for witnesses and video footage following the incident.
Lucinda Collins, aged 39 and of Church Lane in Upton, was charged in connection with Mr Dutton’s death, with the case progressing through Chester Crown Court.
At a hearing last month, Collins pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. She denies causing death by dangerous driving and will stand trial on that charge in a trial due to take place the week beginning March 17, 2025.
An initial hearing at Cheshire Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, March 6, confirmed that the inquest would be delayed due to the request of a suspension by a coroner officer.
This was to allow for further evidence to be brought forward involving the criminal proceedings that are ongoing into the crash.
During that hearing, senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish said: “I am going to therefore further suspend the inquest until August 18. The case is formally suspended to allow criminal proceedings to conclude.”
In a further hearing this Wednesday (August 7), area coroner Victoria Davis confirmed a further suspension of the inquest, with a review date set for April 2, 2025, as criminal proceedings are still ongoing.
Following Mr Dutton’s death, a tribute was issued by his family which read: “Roger had a passion for life and enjoyed entertaining guests at every opportunity.
“He enjoyed fishing with his son Joel, was an avid cyclist, being a former member of Birkenhead North End Cycling club, and an active member of Simply Grey Cycling Club of Chester.
“Roger was at the heart of everything he did, and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.
“Most of all, he was a true gentleman, who will be forever remembered for his love, care and great sense of humour.”
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