Chippenham driver jailed for five years after cyclist dies in A350 collision

A Chippenham driver has been jailed for five years and eight months after causing the death of a cyclist in a collision on the A350 near Lacock.

Ayan Kolah, 38, of Lowden, Chippenham, was sentenced on November 5 after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving and failing to provide a specimen.

The collision happened at approximately 5am on January 20, when 64-year-old Robert Jones, from Melksham, was cycling northbound along the A350 towards Lacock.

Kolah was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra when her vehicle collided with the rear of Robert's bicycle, throwing him into a grass verge.

Despite wearing high-visibility clothing and having lights fitted to his bicycle, Robert suffered fatal injuries.

Following the collision, police carried out a roadside breath test on Kolah, which produced a positive preliminary result. She also tested positive for cannabis during a roadside drugs wipe.

Officers subsequently located a small quantity of cannabis, a grinder and an open bottle of vodka inside the vehicle.

When police arrived at the scene, Kolah appeared erratic, was unsteady on her feet and had a strong smell of alcohol.

She was arrested and taken to Melksham Custody, where she failed to provide an evidential specimen.

Following the investigation and court proceedings, Kolah was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison.

She was also disqualified from driving for seven years and 11 months.

PC James Howells, from Wiltshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, described the collision as tragic and wholly avoidable, highlighting the devastating consequences for Robert's family and loved ones.

He said: "Despite taking steps to ensure he was visible whilst out on his bike, Robert's life was cut short because of the careless actions of another road user."

PC Howells also reminded motorists of their responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive and remain fully alert behind the wheel.

He added that the circumstances of the case demonstrated the potentially catastrophic consequences when drivers fail to meet that responsibility.

The officer said police would continue to pursue those whose dangerous or careless actions on the roads put others at risk and result in serious injury or death.

Robert's death has highlighted the importance of road safety and the need for motorists to take particular care around cyclists, especially during early morning journeys when visibility and road conditions can present additional challenges.

Wiltshire Police said its thoughts remain with Robert's family during this difficult time, expressing hope that the sentence provides some measure of closure as they continue to come to terms with their loss.