Mum's simple last message to husband before being killed while out on a 'quick spin'

A cyclist was killed after she was hit by a driver who failed to see her as he travelled at 68mph. Her 10-year-old son was left without a mother and her family described a "hole in their family that will never be filled".

Lucy John, 35, was riding her bike on the A48 between Laleston and Pyle, in Bridgend, on October 16, 2022, when she was struck from behind by a Honda Civic driven by Jamie Edwards, 51. She was described as an "accomplished, successful and competent" cyclist who had completed the same route more than 150 times without incident.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard Mrs John had sent a What's App message to her husband Evan at 8.56am, saying: "Going for a quick spin on the bike before I go food shopping". 

She was last seen on CCTV riding on the westbound carriageway of the A48 at 9.06am and two minutes later, the defendant was seen following her two cars behind.

At 9.10am, a 999 call was made by Edwards and another to report Mrs John had been hit by a car, and Edwards accepted he was the driver.

CPR was carried out by witnesses at the scene until paramedics arrived and took over treatment.

Mrs John went into cardiac arrest and despite best efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at 10.58am.

An investigation launched by the police forensic collision team concluded the defendant's car collided with the rear of Mrs John's bicycle, when the vehicle was travelling approximately 68mph. The speed limit on the road is 70mph.

Mrs John was wearing a blue and pink cycling top and would have been visible to the driver.

Prosecutor Byron Broadstock said Edwards would have had at least 10 seconds visibility of Mrs John, or 304 metres before the point of collision, and could have taken action to avoid her.

The defendant was unable to provide an explanation for the collision, other than he did not see the victim.

Edwards, of Church Road, Cadoxton, Neath, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard he has no previous convictions.

A series of heartbreaking statements from Mrs John's family were read to the court by her father Nigel Chilcott.

Mr Chilcott said his daughter was "everything" to her son, "kept his feet on the ground and provided a safe space for him to be himself". He said his grandson's only thought was "he was never going to see his mother again".

He added: "I had my heart ripped out. The most beautiful, precious, and treasured thing a human being can create was taken away from me in the most horrendous and shocking of incidents. I was asked to identify Lucy and was taken to a mortuary where she was laid out looking as beautiful as she ever did. She was my darling little girl. She still appeared warm to the touch and it was so difficult to accept her life had been taken.

"The hardest thing I ever had to do was leave her there on the mortuary slab all alone. I'll never forget it as long as there's breath in my body."

Mr Chilcott concluded: "Nothing you or the justice system can do can ever bring her back, no sentence or punishment can bring her back or take her loss away. May she rest in peace knowing justice has taken place and those who remain can have some semblance of closure and contentment."

Mrs John's mother Sharon said: "It was the worst day of my life, I lost my beautiful daughter Lucy. My whole world fell apart, I will never forget it and the unimaginable pain... Not having Lucy by my side giving me support, comfort and encouragement as she always did was very hard.

"We were always and still are a close family. I miss her every minute of every day and will for the rest of my life. We shared a close relationship and miss her beautiful smile and the hugs she used to give me. I miss our shopping trips, going for a coffee and a chat."

Evan John, Mrs John's husband, said: "My wife Lucy was tragically taken from me. It's had a devastating effect on my life, (my son's), and Lucy's family. Plans for our future were shattered in that moment. It severely affected my mental health to the point life wasn't worth living. I drank heavily and failed to turn up to work. I have been receiving counselling for the anger and frustration at the manner Lucy was killed and not being with her in her final moments. I can't believe the way Lucy was killed that morning doing something she loved."

Heather, Mrs John's sister, said: "It was the most shocking and devastating news that I thought I would never hear. Lucy was my beautiful, amazing, and lovely sister, mother to her son and aunty to my children, taken away from us in the most awful way. How do I put into words the feelings and emotions of such a shocking impact? I feel my heart is broken all the time and I've never felt pain like it. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone else. I'm still waiting for her to walk through the door or ring me."

Jason, Mrs John's brother said: "To say life has been very difficult is an understatement. Not being able to see or speak to her is the hardest part. We were always there for each other when one of us needed advice or had a bad day. She always put me straight to put things right. We spent a lot of time together. When we get together there's a person missing and left a hole in this family that will never be filled. It's a constant reminder she is no longer here."

In mitigation, Dyfed Thomas said there had been a delay of three years and his client was of "previous good character", who cares for his daughter and his elderly mother.

Sentencing, Judge Shomon Khan said: "Lucy was in the prime of her life and had so much to give. She meant so much to so many. She was at the centre of her family's lives and their lives have been shattered. Each feels incomplete, their hearts have been ripped out. The impact its had on each of them is heartrending."

Edwards was sentenced to a total of three years imprisonment, and was disqualified from driving for five years upon his release from prison.