Lucas Akins Sentenced for Causing Cyclist Adrian Daniel's Death
It’s not every day you see a professional footballer plead guilty to a serious crime, then lace up their boots and play in a match just hours later. But that’s exactly what happened with Lucas Akins, Mansfield Town’s forward, whose story has sent ripples through both legal and football circles.
Back in March 2022, Akins was behind the wheel of a Mercedes G-Wagon, with his seven-year-old daughter along for the ride to her piano lesson. As he approached a give-way sign in Huddersfield, Akins failed to stop, colliding with cyclist Adrian Daniel. Daniel, only 33, suffered devastating head injuries and died ten days later in the hospital. The incident immediately sparked an outpouring of grief from Daniel’s loved ones, but the legal process dragged on for years, causing even more pain.
Court Rejects Leniency, Family Grieves 'Three-Year Farce'
After nearly three years of legal wrangling and delays that Daniel’s widow called a “three-year farce,” Akins finally admitted guilt—pleading guilty at Leeds Crown Court to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. Judge Alex Menary made it clear that a suspended sentence wasn’t on the cards. Instead, he handed down a 14-month prison term and disqualified Akins from driving for a full year, saying immediate custody was unavoidable given the severity of the case.
The court heard how Akins' action at that junction changed countless lives, with Daniel’s widow, Savanna, telling the court how each legal twist added to the trauma. She said the whole ordeal dragged their pain out, making it nearly impossible for the family to heal or move forward.
- Lucas Akins was playing for Mansfield Town even after the accident and right up until sentencing.
- After pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving, he left court and joined his team for a League One fixture against Wigan—all in one surreal day.
- The club said it respected the court’s decision and expressed condolences, but is now reconsidering Akins’ place in the squad moving forward.
Akins, a Grenada international who’s played for clubs like Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion, had no history of previous driving offenses reported in court. Yet, the judge made it clear that anyone responsible for such a life-shattering tragedy couldn’t avoid jail, regardless of reputation or career status.
The entire story has put a harsh spotlight on how elite athletes are treated by the criminal justice system and the impact of long legal delays on grieving families. As the fallout continues, everyone—from Mansfield fans to road safety advocates—is wondering what happens next for both Akins and the club.
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