MANSFIELD have confirmed the return of a footballer who was jailed for killing a cyclist following his release from prison.
Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.
Lucas Akins has returned for Mansfield after being jailed for killing a cyclistPA
The cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.
Akins was jailed for 14 months in April after he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
But he has been released from jail six months later.
And Akins has now been reinstated by League One side Mansfield, who confirmed the decision in a statement on their website.
It read: “Mansfield Town Football Club can confirm that it has retained the registration of forward Lucas Akins, who has rejoined the first team squad following the conclusion of a custodial sentence.
“This follows a road traffic accident in March 2022, which tragically resulted in the death of Mr Adrian Daniel.
“The club wishes to once again extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Daniel. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragic accident.
“In line with principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, the club is of the view that Lucas, having served his sentence, should be afforded the opportunity to resume his professional career.
“Lucas has reiterated his profound remorse for the events of that day and fully recognises the enduring impact this tragedy has had on the family of Mr Daniel.
“Mansfield Town has provided support to Lucas throughout his time in custody and following the conclusion of judicial proceedings, and will continue to offer appropriate support as he returns to the first team environment.”
Savanna Daniel, Adrian’s wife, had told the court how her life “changed forever” following the dad’s death.
She said she was alerted to the tragedy by a computer on his bike that contacted her as she was Adrian’s emergency contact.
Savanna said she went to the scene before Adrian was taken to hospital where he sadly died 11 days later.
The mum added: “I was told the adrenaline junkie I knew and loved wasn’t coming back. On Sunday 27th, Adrian passed.
“Since that day, it has been like hell and a nightmare I’m not waking up from…I know it’s happened, I’m not living in a fairytale but it was avoidable.
“I was unable to talk about Adrian without falling apart. I was angry with him for leaving us…I was angry because there was no reason for Adrian to leave us that day.
“This was too simple a collision to take his life.”
Leeds Crown Court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.
Akins was taking his young daughter to a piano class along with his seven-month-old baby when he approached a junction in the flash car.
Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said: “Traffic is obliged to give way at Huddersfield Road, which is what the defendant should have done.
“He intended to turn right into Huddersfield Road…The defendant didn’t give way at a give way sign. There is no stop sign or white line at that junction but there is an obligation to give way.
“The defendant on the footage, albeit was driving slowly, pulled out at the give way junction and struck Adrian Daniel.
“It was too late for Adrian Daniel to brake and he suffered a catastrophic head injury.”
The court was told Akins had knowledge of the road so should have known to give way at the junction.
In his police interview, the footballer said he did not see the cyclist.
Along with his jail term, Akins was banned from driving for two years.
Sentencing, Judge Alexander Menary told the footballer: “You failed to see Mr Daniel and you drove into collision with him. The impact was devastating and he was thrown from his bicycle.
“It was apparent to the emergency workers that he had sustained grave injuries.”
Just hours after Akins pleaded guilty to the offence, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in a 0-0 draw against Wigan.
Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.
He said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”
The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.
He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.
Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.
He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.
Mansfield Town said at the time that it was “considering its position” following Akins’ imprisonment.
A spokesman said: “Mansfield Town Football Club acknowledges today’s decision by Leeds Crown Court concerning Lucas Akins following a tragic road traffic accident in March 2022.
“Mansfield Town Football Club offers its sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Adrian Daniel at this difficult time.
“The club is considering its position with regards to Lucas and will be making no further comment at this stage.”
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