Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: pizzicatooff on 01 August, 2013, 11:28:52 am

Title: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 01 August, 2013, 11:28:52 am
I've just received the following email from Ken Roberts of Huddersfield CTC about John Radford, Huddersfield CTC president, former CTC West Yorkshire president and secretary, CTC National Councillor, and of course experienced audax rider and event organiser, whom a lot of you will know:

"I'm afraid that I have some bad news to pass on about John Radford. You probably know that he returned early from the LEL ride because of a recurrence of his hot foot problem. Anyway,he was struck by a car in New Mill yesterday afternoon and was air-lifted to Leeds hospital where he is in a critical condition with severe head injuries.

That is all the news I have at present. The family will update me with developments which I will have posted onto Huddersfield CTC website. This will save both yourselves and the family from distressing phone calls, so please watch our website.

I understand that both the car driver and passenger have been arrested, and there is a short summary in today's Huddersfield Examiner."


There is no further news yet at either the Huddersfield CTC website or facebook page, but a very short (and not as detailed) newspaper report is online at http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/cyclist-injured-accident-huddersfield-road-5390477


Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 01 August, 2013, 11:31:08 am
My best wishes to John, his family and all his friends  :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 01 August, 2013, 12:35:13 pm
Very best wishes to John, his family and friends.  I hope that the outcome is good.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 01 August, 2013, 12:48:04 pm
I do not know John personally but I am aware that he is a well known stalwart within the audax family.   This is clearly saddening news and I hope that makes a full recovery from what sounds like a horrible injury.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 01 August, 2013, 01:20:40 pm
I did speak to him once about one of his permanent rides.  I always had the impression that he was/is a hardened Audaxer especially as he attempted the LEL quite recently. 

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: AntLockyer on 01 August, 2013, 01:46:13 pm
Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 01 August, 2013, 01:50:43 pm
I do not know John personally but I am aware that he is a well known stalwart within the audax family.   This is clearly saddening news and I hope that makes a full recovery from what sounds like a horrible injury.

I'll repeat my best wishes from the original post and add that I've ridden with John many times and he is certainly experienced.  He organises Brimham Rocks 200 and the Easter Arrows among others.  He has done PBP and will almost certainly have done LEL previously.  He's also a thoroughly nice chap.

Get well soon, John

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 01 August, 2013, 03:02:40 pm
John addressed the riders of the 2009 LEL the night before they left, singing Bernie Mawson's praises IIRC.
Lovely sentiments from a lovely chap.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: BlackSheep on 01 August, 2013, 03:05:29 pm
This is shocking news, John's a top guy and I have many happy memories of cycling on events with him, and sinking the odd drink at AUK AGMs

As posted earlier, He's also a thoroughly nice chap.

Get well soon John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: bloomers100 on 01 August, 2013, 07:09:33 pm
Get well soon John from the Essex Arrowists.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Swarm_Catcher on 01 August, 2013, 07:15:34 pm
Get well soon.  Had the pleasure of preparing and handing over John's LEL drop bags.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 01 August, 2013, 08:33:27 pm
An update on John's condition, from Ken Roberts of Huddersfield CTC:

"John remains in intensive care at Leeds Infirmary. He has a blood clot on his brain but they are treating him with medication rather than operating at least at present. He is suffering from seizures and is consequently being heavily sedated.
 
We will post information as it arrives and many thanks for all your expressions of goodwill. I am in contact with the family and there is nothing else we can do at present."
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Merseymaybe on 01 August, 2013, 08:34:38 pm
Dick and I really hope he come's through ok. He's a lovely character.We'll be thinking of him.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 01 August, 2013, 08:35:26 pm
Thanks, C, fingers crossed.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Canardly on 01 August, 2013, 09:54:05 pm
Bless
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: bikey-mikey on 02 August, 2013, 07:17:53 am
GWS John
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: marcusjb on 02 August, 2013, 07:37:18 am
I only know John by name and reputation, but he will be in my thoughts and I hope that he is responding well to treatment and wish him all the best for his recovery.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: shyumu on 02 August, 2013, 10:35:23 am
Speedy recovery John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Mark Beauchamp on 02 August, 2013, 11:42:34 am
I was very sad to hear of his awful accident. He has been in my thoughts ever since.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Oscar's dad on 02 August, 2013, 02:09:04 pm
I've not met John personally but had dealings with him via e-mail earlier this year regarding the Easter Arrow. John was extremely helpful and came across as being a very nice man. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: jogler on 02 August, 2013, 05:14:20 pm
I only know John by name and reputation, but he will be in my thoughts and I hope that he is responding well to treatment and wish him all the best for his recovery.

+1
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Androcles on 02 August, 2013, 09:59:57 pm
Best wishes to John for a full and speedy recovery.

I rode a 400 with him in 2011 when he was coming back from his broken hip and I really appreciated his company on the grim second half of that ride.  Awful to think he's been so badly injured again.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Phil W on 02 August, 2013, 10:58:15 pm
Hope he makes a full and successful recovery.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 03 August, 2013, 12:02:32 am
I was sharing a hotel room with John at the start of LEL & was pulled to one side at a control to be given the news of his accident.  I've had the pleasure of his company on previous rides & the man is a true gent.

I'm hoping & praying that he makes a full recovery (preferably speedy) from this accident.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: vindec on 03 August, 2013, 07:05:17 am
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mattc on 03 August, 2013, 08:33:13 am
Please let John know we're all thinking of him.

In addition to his great work on events like the Easter Arrow, he lent me the hallway of his Campanile room to sleep in after PBP2011!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: PeterM on 03 August, 2013, 10:58:58 am
That's horrible news.  May John make a speedy and full recovery.

He's a lovely chap--he got up early to meet our arrow team with refreshments in Holmfirth a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: paul851 on 03 August, 2013, 11:19:00 am
Get well soon John .




Paul
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tyddles on 03 August, 2013, 12:11:15 pm
Very sad to hear this.  John is one of the good guys.  Am thinking all positive thoughts.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: spindrift on 03 August, 2013, 05:12:55 pm
Quote
A few weeks ago he was struck from behind by a woman in her 70s, waking up in hospital, and was frustrated that the police refused to prosecute the woman, their justification being that it would serve no purpose. John took the Road Justice Campaign booklet produced by the CTC and others, to Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire Crime and Police Commissioner, on July 11th, asking that police procedures be revised. And three weeks later he is now in ICU, with (I gather) the driver and passenger arrested.
uppadine
 
Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:48 pm

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=78383


In the first incident the police refused to do anything?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: iddu on 03 August, 2013, 06:42:34 pm
Gosh, hoping that's your final in a run of 3 - GWS John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: delilah on 03 August, 2013, 09:08:41 pm
I've ridden a couple of events in John's company this season and throughly enjoyable they were.  I learnt a lot from him..  I also rode his 300 to Brid in June and he was disappointed not to be able to ride himself owing to another accident a few days earlier.
What with that and the fall on his hip a couple of years ago he's due a good slice of luck.
One thing he is is, a great fighter so come on John, hoping to see you soon.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 04 August, 2013, 11:43:39 am
As far as I know, members of John's family are aware of this thread, and of other related discussions elsewhere.

For a couple of days, updates on John's condition have indicated that there has been no change. However, John's daughter Emma has posted the following message on the Huddersfield CTC facebook page this morning:

"i would just like tro say a huge thank you for all the best wishes and prays that are being said for my dad john radford, this is certainly the toughest journey he will ever go on, he is struggling to say the least, yesterday we were told that the journey got tougher as he now has a chest infection, anti biotics will hopefully address this. My dad is so poorly and as a family we are feeling very desperate, we saw west yorkshire Air Ambulance land again at LGI lastnight which made me realise how we take certain things for granted, the service treated my dad and apparently he had one of the best Doctors travelling with him from New Mill to Leeds, on arrival he had already been ventilated and his condition and treatment were already being voiced to the staff in A and E meaning his scan and treatment could start as soon as he arrived, i can not thank the staff enough for their hard work.
The police are heavily involved with my dads accident and did make two arrests as unfortunatly their is a witness to say that the accident was not actually an accident and that the driver drove into him on purpose which i feel extreamly angry about and deeply saddened.
thanks again and i will up date when possible "
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 04 August, 2013, 11:48:42 am
"...
The police are heavily involved with my dads accident and did make two arrests as unfortunatly their is a witness to say that the accident was not actually an accident and that the driver drove into him on purpose which i feel extreamly angry about and deeply saddened."

:o >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Feline on 04 August, 2013, 12:06:04 pm
That's deeply shocking.
We chatted to John at registration, he was so full of life. GWS John we are thinking of you constantly.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 04 August, 2013, 12:26:55 pm
Thanks for the update. This is terrible, best wishes again to John and family and let's hope the perpetrator(s) get the full force of the law! >:(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 04 August, 2013, 01:56:18 pm
Here's John giving a speech the night before the Thorne start of LEL 2005, hard to imagine it being said better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQaMOCI_wlc
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Tomsk on 04 August, 2013, 03:49:56 pm
Terrible, just terrible...I saw John briefly to say hi at the start. Hope he recovers ok. Thoughts and prayers are with him, it goes without saying.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: nashd on 04 August, 2013, 05:28:10 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family.  I’ve not met John, but have read articles in Arrivee etc, and also saw his speech on Damon’s LEL DVD a few years ago, and he struck me as being a really great guy.  I’ve been thinking about him a lot these past few days.  I pray he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 05 August, 2013, 12:43:07 pm
Martyn Bolt has posted on Facebook that a solidarity ride will be held on Wednesday.

Quote

Cyclists from the area are asked to join a social ride on Wednesday evening to show support for a local rider injured a week ago

John Radford, 69, of Meltham is a well known figure in the cycling community organising many events ( such as The Examiner’s annual charity cycle ride), working locally and nationally as a CTC Councillor, and organising and taking part in many events himself

John was hit by a car in New Mill last Wednesday. He had returned from taking part in the marathon London-Edinburgh-London ride on Monday evening and his solo ride on Wednesday was a steady cycle for fun.

John is currently in a serious condition in Leeds General Infirmary following the incident and police have arrested the driver and occupants of the car which hit him.

The 6.5 mile ride which will leave St George’s Square , Huddersfield at 6pm , under the name Justice for John is a way of friends and fellow cyclists showing support and solidarity for John and his family.

The ride will be led by Johns daughters Emma and Helen and a collection will be taken in Support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance who airlifted John to hospital

If you need further details please contact martyn Bolt martyn.bolt@kirklees.gov.uk


Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 05 August, 2013, 05:58:25 pm
Posted on Huddersfield CTC Website

Monday Evening.  Latest update on John Radford

John had an operation yesterday evening (Sunday) and it's gone as well as the doctors expected. He's still in a coma and is on a ventilator but it's the first step in the right direction.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 05 August, 2013, 06:13:39 pm
Thanks Mike!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ian H on 05 August, 2013, 06:23:35 pm
Fingers crossed for John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 05 August, 2013, 06:57:52 pm
Thanks for the updates on John's condition.

I've ridden with him a few times, indeed we were in the same Arrow team one year, but that was when I lived up in Yorkshire. Now I only bump into him on the occasional ride (e.g. Everyone rides to Skeggy) but I always make sure we have a chat as he's such good company.

I was amazed John had the courage to start LEL 2013 despite not having fully recovered from being hit by a car earlier this year. But then John has form on that front. In 2001 he was sufering from a bursitis on the knee and yet still started LEL. I've had a bursitis on my elbow and I can tell you they are bloody painful. Yet John not only started but finished LEL that year. A very determined man.

I shall find a suitable religion and pray to its god in the hope it does John some good. In the meantime I'll simply hope for the best.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 06 August, 2013, 01:55:21 pm
There's an article about John in today's Huddersfield Examiner.

You can read it at
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfield-cycling-champion-john-radford-5638857

Those of us who are updating various forums and facebook pages are relying on news from Huddersfield CTC members and their facebook page. I think that you will all know by now that John underwent an operation on Sunday after his condition "gave cause for concern". One of his daughters, Helen, noted last night "Just left Dad and sadly he is still critically ill. we are just praying for a miracle."
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Pip on 06 August, 2013, 02:15:15 pm
Oh God, I hope he pulls through. I've been reading about John's exploits ever since starting audaxing years ago.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dave_C on 06 August, 2013, 02:23:03 pm
Best wishes for a full and spedy recovery!! I was on this years Brimham Rocks 200, when the family and I were down on Leeds on Holiday. John was talking to a couple of other finishers at the end about the last incident he had. Very sobering, when its someone you have met. All the best, Dave C
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: wilbt on 06 August, 2013, 10:43:03 pm
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and soon back on the bike.

regards
Chris

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 08 August, 2013, 07:12:45 am
Huddersfield CTC website:

Latest update on John Radford, Weds 7th August

A massive thank you from the Huddersfield & District CTC to everyone that came out on the Ride for John tonight.

John remains in a critical condition. There have been some very small but positive signs today. It will be slow going from here and we will update here on a regular basis as and when we have any news, and in more detail on our Facebook page.

I
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tubbycyclist on 08 August, 2013, 07:50:43 am
There was a great turn out including many local CTC groups ,  VC167 and many more. My estimate would be that several hundred cyclists came along to show support for the family.
It was excellent to hear the first small indicators of positive news as well.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 08 August, 2013, 04:59:14 pm
The attendance at last night's ride for John was  indeed impressive.

That John's daughters felt able to lead the ride from Huddersfield town centre to New Mill, where John was involved last week in the incident that has devastated his family as well as his friends, was even more impressive.

There is a report on the ride at http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/cyclists-turn-out-show-support-5677160

The BBC News website has a short report at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-23612377

There was also a filmed report on BBC Look North (Yorkshire) at 1.30pm today. I understand  that their main programme (usually available recorded on the iplayer) at 6.30pm tonight will feature that film as well as an extended report including an interview with Martyn Bolt, and they hope to have another interview on their later bulletin after the BBC main news tonight.

The encouraging news about John's condition has raised hopes, but everybody knows that there's a long road ahead.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 08 August, 2013, 11:23:54 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b037xkpc/Look_North_(Yorkshire)_08_08_2013/ piece about John starts approx. at 4 mins
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: 3peaker on 09 August, 2013, 12:41:51 am
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b037xkpc/Look_North_(Yorkshire)_08_08_2013/ piece about John starts approx. at 4 mins

A very thought-provoking piece and well assembled. There was a mention of H*****s; the film footage of John clearly shows he was not an advocate. I have a lot of time for John and have ridden the same PBPs and LELs. But there are always issues where we make a personal choice.

I too came a cropper last week, though taking out by a badger, rather than being taken out by a motorised road user. My GPS download suggests I stopped abruptly when doing 18mph and a 0mph trace lasts 63mins. I am at home nursing a broken shoulder blade and will probably need to replace a dented helmet.

This is probably not the best time to bring up the subject and I apologise for any sensitivity felt.

I genuinely and sincerely hope John pulls through and makes a full recovery; but we need to think about our vulnerability, no matter who may be blameworthy.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 09 August, 2013, 08:28:12 am
Thanks for posting that clip.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: MSeries on 12 August, 2013, 04:19:10 pm
I'm a bit late on here and I only just heard this news. I sincerely hope a miracle happens and John recovers. A former VC167 and West Yorks DA clubmate and someone who I am proud to be able to call a friend. John is one of the riders who inspired me in my first few months of Audaxing and we have certainly spent time on the road and in the bar together. Get well John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 13 August, 2013, 12:43:19 pm
Huddersfield CTC website - Latest news item, added: Monday August 12th 2013 7:56pm

Latest update on John from his family;

John is still sleeping and his injuries on the outside are healing and he is looking more like John.

Thank everyone for their comforting words and cards etc it is really good to know just how much he is loved.  Pat Emma and Helen.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 13 August, 2013, 06:04:55 pm
Good news. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 16 August, 2013, 08:16:19 pm
A further update from the Huddersfield CTC  facebook page, about half an hour ago:

Latest update on John Radford

is that there is no change to report at present.

It’s a long hard slow road he’s on now and as soon as we know which route he’s taking we’ll let everyone know.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: arabella on 19 August, 2013, 05:47:57 pm
Fingers all still crossed and best wishes to John and family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 21 August, 2013, 10:52:00 am
A further update from Alan Priim of Huddersfield CTC  on their facebook page:

Tuesday 20th August
Latest news on John Radford, from his family

John is still in his coma - he is now breathing without the ventilator completely and he may be moved from Intensive Care to High Dependency this week.

There is a still a long way for John to go.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: clarion on 21 August, 2013, 10:53:02 am
But that's good progress.  Hope for more good news with the next update.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 21 August, 2013, 12:37:45 pm
Thanks for the update pizzi.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 21 August, 2013, 12:59:11 pm
Yes! thanks very much for keeping us updated & it's great to see that John is making improvements.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: zigzag on 21 August, 2013, 01:10:32 pm
get well soon John, hoping to see you in york after an arrow next easter!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 25 August, 2013, 08:11:26 pm
Huddersfield CTC facebook update


News from the Radford family

 A positive update to all Dads friends!
 Dad has opened his eyes and seems to look towards our voices on the left side of his body, he reacts when we speak to him and there is a definite awake part to his coma.
 He will not follow instructions yet such as squeeze my hand but its a start, he has a long way to go.

 We are hoping this is the start of it!
 Emma
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: L CC on 25 August, 2013, 08:17:21 pm
That's great news.
Fingers crossed we continue to see improvements.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 25 August, 2013, 08:26:53 pm
Yes indeed -  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: BlackSheep on 25 August, 2013, 08:51:12 pm
Very good news, come-on John we're all rootin' for you mate.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: marcusjb on 25 August, 2013, 08:53:52 pm
That is good news. 

Keeping my fingers crossed for more improvements.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Moschops on 25 August, 2013, 09:03:54 pm
Thinking of you and your family every day, John. Really glad to hear you're making some progress. 
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 25 August, 2013, 09:05:35 pm
Same here, good luck :)
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 August, 2013, 09:15:24 pm
Very happy to hear that John is making progress.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly John on 25 August, 2013, 09:20:06 pm
That sounds encouraging news.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 25 August, 2013, 09:27:07 pm
All the best from Heather and me.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jamiem on 25 August, 2013, 09:54:07 pm
I remember reading the article about the hand built frame that John ordered, in one of the first Arrivees that I received, and thinking what a good guy he seemed - all the best and hoping for a full recovery
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 26 August, 2013, 06:34:58 am
Once again thanks for the update and it's encouraging to hear John's making progress.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 26 August, 2013, 07:17:34 am
Good that John is improving,  come on John.    Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Merseymaybe on 26 August, 2013, 09:59:18 am
Pedal Up John.You can do it :thumbsup:
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Lordy on 26 August, 2013, 07:05:34 pm
Great news John, keep going.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 26 August, 2013, 08:24:25 pm
Excellent news!

Every little improvement is a pedal stroke in the right direction  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dave_C on 26 August, 2013, 10:00:30 pm
Sending positive thoughts for John! Hope to see you up and back to full health as soon as possible!

Dave C
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 28 August, 2013, 07:57:50 am
Update on Huddersfield CTC website:

Latest news item, added: Sunday August 25th 2013 8:06pm

News from the Radford family

 A positive update to all Dads friends!

Dad has opened his eyes and seems to look towards our voices on the left side of his body, he reacts when we speak to him and there is a definite awake part to his coma.

He will not follow instructions yet such as squeeze my hand but its a start, he has a long way to go.

 We are hoping this is the start of it!

Emma
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: shyumu on 28 August, 2013, 10:42:11 am
Thanks for the updates, I hope the family know he's in our thoughts and hearts.  Still hoping for a full recovery for John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 28 August, 2013, 02:43:00 pm
A report from today's Huddersfield Examiner at

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/injured-huddersfield-cyclist-john-radford-5793482
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 28 August, 2013, 02:47:28 pm
Thanks for the link. Sobering stuff. But fingers still firmly crossed John makes a full recovery in time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 30 August, 2013, 12:57:34 am
Excuse my enthusiasm. Latest update from Huddersfield CTC facebook page sounds good. I hope so.

"From Emma, Johns daughter 29 August
The hospital have told us he is now not in a coma, his eyes are apparently blinking well!
Come on dad! X"
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 30 August, 2013, 01:00:16 am
Brilliant!  The 1000 mile march starts with one step....!  (I've just remembered by brother's school motto was Pas a pas on va bien loin.)
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mikewigley on 30 August, 2013, 07:49:10 am
This has really cheered me up.  I realise it's only one small step and there's a long way to go, but let's celebrate John's progress.

Peter and pizzicatooff - can't you sleep?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: marcusjb on 30 August, 2013, 07:51:29 am
That is very positive progress for sure.

You, and your family, remain in my thoughts, John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 30 August, 2013, 08:24:01 am
That's really excellent news. Thanks for the continuing updates.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tiermat on 30 August, 2013, 03:17:41 pm
Brilliant news, so so pleased to hear it.  As others have said it's the start of a long walk back to where he was, but it's a start.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 30 August, 2013, 04:53:24 pm
I found some more video of John, at the bike check at PBP 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O66fSUrUXiw
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 30 August, 2013, 09:23:59 pm
"this video is private"

What on earth was John up to???
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Feline on 30 August, 2013, 10:45:43 pm
Whilst any positive step is great, this is a small one so far after the incident. I have everything crossed for you John, but the road ahead is unbelievably tough. I wish you every bit of good luck I can xxxx
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 31 August, 2013, 11:33:29 am
I think anyone that can do PBP or LEL (and others for that matter) are a tough lot, and as John has done both, that more than shows me that he is a tough guy and so hopefully he will win over the hurdle he currently faces.

Keep on taking those little steps John and you will get to the other end.

Very best wishes.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Pip on 31 August, 2013, 08:47:38 pm
I reckon that John is a real fighter and will battle all he can to get back on the bike. Great news.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Phil W on 31 August, 2013, 09:00:57 pm
Thoughts are with John and his family. Wishing him a steady recovery, one day at a time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 31 August, 2013, 10:12:43 pm
"this video is private"

What on earth was John up to???

Uploaded from my new Mac, which seems to have a mind of its own. The video shows John going through the bike check at PBP 2011.

I found some more video of John, at the bike check at PBP 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O66fSUrUXiw
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 01 September, 2013, 08:30:24 am
Link previously posted on Freewheeling/Forumnite Spotting post 107 by "Oranj":

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/NRT-sports/photo?photo_id=3941637271&vendor_id=3040600
on

There is a good photo of John (140/246) arriving at an unnamed control(?) on LEL 2013.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 01 September, 2013, 08:41:37 am
On further investigation it is St Ives Control.    Using the above link it is LEL 2013 Set 4, page 7, photo 140/246.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 02 September, 2013, 09:24:12 pm
John Radford's crash and condition have been mentioned in The House by his MP Jason McCartney.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Rainmaker on 15 September, 2013, 06:36:11 pm
Latest posting on Huddersfield CTC website:

Latest news item, added: Friday September 13th 2013 7:59pm

Latest news on John Radford

Things are still going very slowly. He is still in critical care, and three consultants are still deciding on the next steps. They are still looking at the recent scans and x rays.

All our thoughts continue with John and his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 16 September, 2013, 10:54:04 pm
Slow progress is still progress though.

Fingers remain firmly crossed.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 16 September, 2013, 11:38:25 pm
Yes John is still on route & our thoughts & payers are still with the lovely old fella & his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 17 September, 2013, 10:13:49 am
It is difficult to express how I feel every time I look at this thread, especially as time is moving very slowly for John.
I was controlling at Barnard Castle when John packed, so I have a vision of him tired but healthy and still the same guy that I have known over several years.
 I can still see him at Sizun, out of time after losing his wallet on PBP 2011.He still took time out to say hello. He is just a really nice bloke with all the qualities I associate with the West Riding of Yorkshire.
He once told me he hated hills and would love to live somewhere flat, so rides like LEL were a big challenge for him even though he was as strong as an ox.
Keep going John and best wishes to his family in what must be a very difficult time for them as well.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 03 October, 2013, 12:38:58 pm
Latest news about John comes from Alan Priim of Huddersfield CTC on their facebook page:

(Tues 1st October)

John’s daughter invited me to go and visit John, and I did so today.

John looks much better than I expected and seemed very bright eyed and attentive.

He is able to move his left arm and seemed to wave this in my direction. Otherwise he was quite still on his bed but has some good colour in his complexion, is breathing well (through the tubes in his throat), and his eyes seemed to be following me about, whilst he was awake.

The nurse came in to adjust his breathing tube and he certainly react to this as it seemed to be very uncomfortable for him when she did so.

He seemed to know I was there but it was hard to tell for definite. He fell asleep again after about 15 minutes of my visit, but that happens a lot to me anyway.

I am pleased I have been to see him, although we know it is still a long and hard journey for him and his family.

But this is John that likes the long hard slogs such as the London-Edinburgh-London or Paris-Brest-Paris.

We can only keep our thoughts with John and his family whilst he completes his present journey.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: L CC on 03 October, 2013, 02:12:01 pm
That sounds better than I feared.

It's a long haul, and small improvements are improvements.

He's in our thoughts.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: marcusjb on 03 October, 2013, 02:24:23 pm
Although it was a very encouraging report from that visit, it is a real insight into what a battle John is facing.  But all improvements are a positive step in the right direction.

He is still very much in my thoughts.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 03 October, 2013, 09:59:01 pm
Good news, but John has still has a long way to go. I sincerely hope I get to see him on a bike again.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: YahudaMoon on 03 October, 2013, 11:09:26 pm
I read about John some time back on the CTC website, Ive enjoyed Johns company many a time out cycling

So sad John is still ill, popped on here after some time and was hoping John would be back on the bike.

Heres to a full recovery :)

Greets

John Diffley
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Von Broad on 03 October, 2013, 11:33:23 pm
I was controlling at Barnard Castle when John packed

I don't know John so can't bring him to mind, and don't recall a guy who might have been him packing at BC.

But how tragic and shocking life can change for a whole family just out of nowhere like that.

It's not difficult to envisage from those few simple descriptive sentences of Alan PRiims hospital visit what kind of trauma has befallen him and the depth of the journey he's engaged in.
Wishing him all the recovery he needs.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: vindec on 15 October, 2013, 07:51:51 am
Keep up the cadence John. We need you back in the bunch.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 31 October, 2013, 05:56:48 pm
update on facebook today


Martyn Bolt

My friend and fellow rider John Radford who was seriously injured on 31 July continues to make slow progress in LGI. still breathing through tracheostomy, but looking at magazines using left hand as right not responding properly but starting to move. Police enquiries continue, and bail extended for the accused .

 So far £2800 raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who played a vital role in John's care.

 Doctor's say John is on the right road, but it will be a long one. Nothing new there for Audax rider John then

 Finger's crossed and keep praying!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 31 October, 2013, 06:14:28 pm
Thanks for the update. It's great to heat John's making progress still.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 31 October, 2013, 07:08:03 pm
I can still see him at Sizun, out of time after losing his wallet on PBP 2011. He still took time out to say hello.

We met John at the end of PBP 2011. He'd been held up by various attempts to reunite him with his wallet. He'd been lent 50 Euros by the organisation, so he wanted to return that money, and to sort out the delays on his card. Heather had volunteered at the check-in and had also interviewed Jean-Gualbert Faburel in January, so we were able to go to the top. John got to return the money, and this is John's listing in the 2011 results.
89H51  5119  RADFORD  JOHN  GB M VE VELO CLUB 167

John doesn't give up.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 31 October, 2013, 07:53:37 pm
Living where I do, it's very often that I find myself on a road I've ridden with John.  He is never far from my thoughts.  I've only done one 600 but John was a great companion on that.  Come on, John!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 31 October, 2013, 09:59:05 pm
John doesn't give up.

That is an understatement.

I've probably mentioned this one before but at the (Thorne) start of LEL 2001 John was suffering from a bursitis on his knee. Now I've a bursitis on my elbow and it is fucking painful. John was about to start LEL. With a bursitis. On his knee.

I offered him the entire contents of my collection of painkillers but he declined and said he'd carry on and see how far he got.

Shortly after I left Edinburgh I passed John riding to Edinburgh still (no looped route back then) I've never been so happy to see a rider in my life. I was amazed he had made it that far.

My amazement faded to nothing compared to my admiration when I learned he did indeed complete LEL that year.

The man has balls of steel.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 31 October, 2013, 10:03:57 pm
Thanks for the update. I was thinking of John only yesterday and wondering how he was doing.

I really hope the scum that put him in this condition end up sharing a cell with Andy Coulson.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 01 November, 2013, 12:46:52 am
Then they'd really be hacked off....
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 05 November, 2013, 06:50:48 am
Latest News on John. As on the front page of Huddersfield Examiner, Mon 4th Nov.

Try this link for full details.

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/meltham-cyclist-john-radford-now-6267456

John can’t communicate but is being shown cycling magazines by his family. He is conscious and showing encouraging signs of progress.

Though still breathing through a tracheotomy tube and partially-paralysed down his right side, John is improving, slowly but surely.

His daughter Emma said: “Dad can turn a page for himself but it is a big strain.

“The other day, though, he licked his finger and turned a page and we were amazed.

“It was just something that he always used to do and we knew he was still with us.”

John, who is now on a specialist neurological ward at Leeds General Infirmary, is doing so well he is allowed limited visits from friends.

“Everybody who has seen him seems really surprised at how well he is.

“It is frustrating for us because his recovery is so slow.

“It would make our day if he could just give us a smile.”

Doctors have given no timescale on how quickly – or how much – John will recover.
But John’s fighting spirit and his fitness levels give cause for optimism.
“We just hope dad’s brain will continue to repair,” said Emma.
“We know age is not on his side but he is so fit for a man of his age and his lungs and heart haven’t failed him yet.”
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 05 November, 2013, 10:35:37 am
Thanks for that, wobbly.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: simonp on 05 November, 2013, 11:03:13 am
Indeed, it's good to hear he's improving.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: marcusjb on 05 November, 2013, 11:28:08 am
These small improvements are massive leaps forward and it's great to hear that John's making progress - keep at it!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dave_C on 05 November, 2013, 12:53:56 pm
Thanks for the update, and link. Its appreciated.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 30 November, 2013, 04:08:13 pm
update on Huddersfield & district ctc facebook group

Sat Nov 30th
 Latest update on our John Radford is that he is continuing to very slowly improve and he has now had his tracheotomy removed.

 Our thoughts are still very much with John and his family and we hope John continues to recover, at whatever pace he needs too.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 30 November, 2013, 09:56:20 pm
Thanks for the update Rachel. John's continuing to make progress, which is good news.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 18 December, 2013, 09:59:42 am
On BBC Look North Yorkshire, last night, a news item about John, featuring Martyn Bolt and one of John's daughters, about 13:31 in at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03lmtyb/Look_North_%28Yorkshire%29_17_12_2013/

This probably won't be available for very long.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 18 December, 2013, 10:34:42 am
On BBC Look North Yorkshire, last night, a news item about John, featuring Martyn Bolt and one of John's daughters, about 13:31 in at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03lmtyb/Look_North_%28Yorkshire%29_17_12_2013/

This probably won't be available for very long.

Piece starts at 13.36.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 18 December, 2013, 11:17:13 am
Martin is a top man and campaigner, however I'm not quite sure exactly what he was intending the message of the piece to be - and I'm aware he won't have been responsible for the editing.  John's incident is the subject of a police investigation, so unless this is a very oblique call for tougher sentences, it's a bit difficult to see where "more cyclists on the road will lead to more incidents" gets us.  I thought the thinking was that the reverse would be the case.  I also didn't like the presenter's mention of "the dangers of cycling"

All the best, John and your long-suffering family.

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 18 December, 2013, 11:41:29 am
The main bits I got out of the piece were the human cost, especially poignant at Christmas, and that motorists should allow for cyclists avoiding potholes. It's inevitable that every cycling story in Yorkshire will have a Tour de France angle. A lot of effort would have gone into producing that one piece. It had interviews with Martyn and with John's family, POV footage, archive of the protest rally and some of John on PBP 2007. It's some consolation to see that degree of effort going into a story which could easily sink into the background.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 18 December, 2013, 11:56:48 am
Certainly, D.  Generally it's good to see so much effort being devoted to a piece on cycling, and there's no question of my missing the human cost of John's tragedy, which I'm sure you weren't implying.  Didn't see anything about potholes, though.  I'll have to watch again.

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 18 December, 2013, 12:08:59 pm
I saw that piece last night and it seemed very disjointed. Interestingly the intro about John stated that he was" hit by a car", not the usual "collided with".
Martyn Bolt seemed to be struggling with the message that drivers have a duty of care to all road users and especially to cyclists and pedestrians. More cyclists equals more opportunities for accidents was the message that I got.
Could have done with a bit of added gravitas from a uniformed traffic policeman or something similar IMHO.

Although the Look North team were sympathetic , I think that the BBC is actually anti cycling generally,  they always seem to accentuate the dangers and rarely highlight the positive aspects.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: shyumu on 18 December, 2013, 03:41:17 pm
We are still thinking of you John - and hoping that you will get well soon.  Hoping you'll be home for Christmas or as soon after as possible.  All the best.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: shyumu on 25 December, 2013, 09:08:29 am
Our thoughts are with you John, and with your family this Christmas. Get well soon.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: paul851 on 25 December, 2013, 09:29:57 am
Merry Christmas John , remember one control at a time and hopefully see home soon .


Paul
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mikewigley on 25 December, 2013, 11:55:12 am
I called on Pat (John's wife) yesterday with the Christmas card signed by the Winter Solstice riders.  John was on last year's running of the event, and he also took part in the May rerun.  I assured her we still remember and miss riding with him.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Pip on 25 December, 2013, 05:34:35 pm
Merry Christmas John and family, hope that 2014 brings a change in fortune for the better
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 25 December, 2013, 07:58:51 pm
Thinking of John and his family & friends this Christmas time. Here's to a bright 2014.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: vernon_l on 05 January, 2014, 08:35:50 pm
I had a chat with some members of Huddersfield CTC today while out he Winter Xmas Pud Burner Audax that John used to organise.  They visit him weekly in Leeds and said that there's not been much improvement in the past month.  He's due to be moved to Chapel Allerton Hospital in the next week or so for rehabilitation.

The circumstances of the collision are not fully known though there are lots of rumours circulating regarding the culpability of the motorist. The facts will become clear when the case comes to court.

It was a strange day today.  I was expecting John to be present.  Hs absence was felt.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 05 January, 2014, 08:38:25 pm
Thanks, Vernon.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 05 January, 2014, 10:01:50 pm
Yes thanks for the update, let's hope the move & rehab goes well for John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 06 January, 2014, 02:34:20 pm
Latest news in today's Huddersfield Examiner is at
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/waiting-game-family-injured-meltham-6469995
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 06 January, 2014, 06:27:29 pm
 “Dad is now waiting for a rehab bed which means more therapy."

I hope and pray the therapy works and John makes further progress.

"Two men arrested over a collision which left a cyclist seriously injured remain on bail."

I also hope that justice is done.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 14 February, 2014, 05:34:24 pm
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/daughters-injured-meltham-cyclist-hand-6709542

Quote
John is awake but unresponsive in hospital and is not aware of what is going on around him.
:(

Quote
Police arrested two men over the New Mill accident. One was released without charge while the other, a 22-year-old driver, remains on bail as investigations continue.

Good luck John
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mmmmartin on 25 February, 2014, 12:05:15 pm
Update: man in court
http://roadjustice.org.uk/case-study/john-radford-fighting-his-life-after-collision-new-mill-huddersfield-310713
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 25 February, 2014, 12:55:00 pm
I cannot understand how Gledhill has continued to get 'Unconditional bail'.  With the seriousness of the charges he faces, surely he should have been remanded in custody/prison.

Does the unconditional bail mean that he is still at liberty to drive?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tiermat on 25 February, 2014, 01:01:04 pm
I cannot understand how Gledhill has continued to get 'Unconditional bail'.  With the seriousness of the charges he faces, surely he should have been remanded in custody/prison.

Does the unconditional bail mean that he is still at liberty to drive?

Yup, unconditional means just that, no conditions were set (like must report X times/week, cannot approach family, can't drive etc etc)

The one beacon of light is that the case has been sent to Crown Court, obviously the judge at the Mags thought it was serious enough to warrant a prison sentence, otherwise he would have dealt with it there and then.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dibdib on 25 February, 2014, 05:30:49 pm
Greater legal minds than I will surely correct me if I'm wrong, but I guess the mags started with a presumption of bail unless there was a demonstrable risk of him absconding.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Greenbank on 26 February, 2014, 12:15:18 am
Exactly. I'm not a legal mind at all but innocent until proven guilty plus lack of flight risk is unlikely to see anything but unconditional bail.

In terms of other conditions, I'd be interested to see the stats on how likely someone currently on bail for a driving related incident is more or less likely to be involved in a subsequent incident. If the stats say no then there's no justification for imposing a bail condition to say they shouldn't drive.

Remember that no amount of "justice" can undo what has been done to John and his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 13 March, 2014, 02:14:36 am
Sadly it is quite typical that drivers who kill and maim other road users to go almost totally unpunished.  A small fine and a few points on the licence, rarely a driving ban, never a long one.  This is why RoadPeace (http://www.roadpeace.org) was set up in 1992 by a bereaved mother, and is my chosen charity for my upcoming world cruise (http://laidbackaroundtheworld.blogspot.co.uk/p/charity.html).
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 24 May, 2014, 10:40:23 pm
update from huddersfield ctc's facebbok page

Pat Radford has advised that John is being moved from LGI to a rehabilitation unit in York on Tuesday 27 May 2014. It is called Woodlands, part of the Christchurch group. This unit is the preferred choice of John's family so it is good news that they have finally got John a place there.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 25 May, 2014, 08:15:17 am
Thanks for the update Rachel.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 25 May, 2014, 07:52:03 pm
Yeah thanks from me too.  I was wondering how John was just the other day.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 25 July, 2014, 05:52:46 pm
There is to be a ride to remember John on Thursday 31st July 2014.  It's 12 months since he was injured in a collision, and he remains in a serious condition in a rehabilitation unit. A driver is due to face trial in the autumn.

We meet up at 6pm from Huddersfield Station next Thursday 31 July.  All are welcome.  We will ride the 5 miles to New Mill, the scene of John's collision, in a leisurely manner, and no doubt we'll ride the 5 miles back again.  Bring your club jersey as the local newspaper are very likely to be taking pictures, and it will be good to show John's family that he's not forgotten.

Ironically John was active within the CTC campaigning for better investigation of accidents involving cyclists.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 28 July, 2014, 12:56:42 pm
Thanks for the info. I sincerely hope there's a good turnout.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 29 July, 2014, 11:17:49 am
An update from John's newspaper ...

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfield-cycle-tribute-injured-campaigner-7514631#.U9bXXeks1Mc.twitter  (http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfield-cycle-tribute-injured-campaigner-7514631#.U9bXXeks1Mc.twitter)

We are hoping to be joined on "A Ride to Remember" this Thursday (31st July 2014) by Brian Robinson, himself recovering from being knocked off his bike.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 30 July, 2014, 07:13:26 pm
Sadly I cannot get away from Swindon early enough tomorrow to have a chance of making the ride.

That photo of John in hospital in the Examiner article is truly upsetting.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 30 July, 2014, 08:05:37 pm
Wobbly, I'm hoping to ride over from Rochdale, so I'll pass on your best wishes.  I saw you on the National but I don't know your name - maybe you could PM me?

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Climberruss on 02 August, 2014, 07:28:03 am
I agree with Wobbly, The photo in the newspaper really is quite upsetting and really brings home the tragedy of the situation. I only know John peripherally but he is a nice bloke. It's such a shame. Whatever the outcome of the drivers' trial, it won't put John back together again.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: RideHard on 30 September, 2014, 11:23:49 am
Indeed, it's good to hear he's improving.

Unfortunately John's condition has taken a turn for the worse, following pneumonia and recent seizures.  A NHS continued funding decision is imminent, as is the case against the married 23yr old accused of 'Road Rage'..
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 30 September, 2014, 11:39:19 am
That's very sad indeed.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 30 September, 2014, 11:41:27 am
:(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 30 September, 2014, 11:52:28 am
 :( :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: peliroja on 30 September, 2014, 11:53:51 am
Very sad.  :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 30 September, 2014, 01:09:17 pm
Very sad news indeed.

>A NHS continued funding decision

What does that mean in practice?

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 30 September, 2014, 02:16:14 pm
John has always been a 'fighter', so I feel sure he will soon get over this one of many hurdles in his battle back to health.

Get well soon John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dave_C on 01 October, 2014, 01:00:24 pm
Bad news. I do hope John comes out of this very soon. Sending best wishes to family and friends.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 12 October, 2014, 10:33:26 pm
Volunteer of the year...
http://www.ctc.org.uk/about-ctc/history/volunteer-and-voluntary-group-of-year-winners/2010-winners/john-radford
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 16 October, 2014, 05:24:05 pm
An excerpt from Hansard on today's Parliamentary debate on cycling.

Jason McCartney MP (Con, Colne Valley in West Yorkshire)

Finally, on a very serious note, I want to end by passing on my best wishes to my constituent John Radford and his family. On 29 July last year, John, an extremely fit and active husband, father and grandfather, returned from taking part in a 1,400 km cycle event, but two days later he was hit by a car in New Mill and suffered severe head injuries, which left him in a coma. He has been discharged from Leeds general infirmary into a specialist neurological respite centre in York. He is now very severely disabled. John is confined to a wheelchair and totally dependent on others, and will remain so for the rest of his life. The family, whom I have got to know very well indeed, are now looking for a home with specialist nursing care for him. A court case is scheduled to begin at Leeds Crown court on Monday 20 October. In honour of John Radford, I say, “Let’s get Britain cycling.”
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Shell on 16 October, 2014, 07:25:46 pm
What a fantastic testament to John's passion for cycling.  Let's hope it strikes a chord in all the right places.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 22 October, 2014, 02:43:48 pm
The trial against Michael Gledhill is in progress.  Details here - http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/holmfirth-motorist-michael-gledhill-denies-7968408
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: nightrider on 22 October, 2014, 03:31:27 pm
Michael Gledhill sounds like a nasty piece of work.My thoughts are with the Radford family today.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 22 October, 2014, 06:57:04 pm
I'm surprised the the judge is reported to have said (of helmets) "He was not wearing one on this day. As a result he was seriously injured which has had a profound effect on his life."

Surely that's prejudicial.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Feline on 22 October, 2014, 08:25:14 pm
I'm surprised the the judge is reported to have said (of helmets) "He was not wearing one on this day. As a result he was seriously injured which has had a profound effect on his life."

Surely that's prejudicial.

Hopefully the prosecution will challenge that assertion and massive assumption it makes ....
Why isn't this a murder case? Or at the very least manslaughter? I know the answer to that (you can get away with murder so long as you use a car as a weapon), but this makes me very very angry and so sad for John and his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 22 October, 2014, 08:27:09 pm
L, John is still alive, though in a terrible state in a special care unit.

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: sojournermike on 22 October, 2014, 08:47:30 pm
I'm surprised the the judge is reported to have said (of helmets) "He was not wearing one on this day. As a result he was seriously injured which has had a profound effect on his life."

Surely that's prejudicial.

possibly, but the whole quote is,'He said Mr Radford was a keen cyclist who had sustained catastrophic injuries. “He cycled for much of his life and it was his usual practice not to wear a helmet. He was not wearing one on this day. As a result he was seriously injured which has had a profound effect on his life.

“I tell you this because when you’re dealing with this case it could be difficult for you to remain dispassionate or at the very least not to have sympathy for him and his family.” Mr Andrews told the jury Mr Radford spent many months in hospital after the incident and “may never recover properly.”

“The issue for you is twofold. Did Michael Gledhill drive dangerously and was that dangerous driving the cause, the main cause of that injury.”
'

I understand that the law will look to the root cause of injury/death. In this case it seems, from our perspective at least, that the car hitting him from behind forcefully was the primary cause, even if the lack of a helmet lead to more severe injury than might have been the case if he was wearing one at the time. Not wearing a helmet didn't cause him to be run into by a car.

There is a further question here that the judge hasn't mentioned, which is, 'Was the contact deliberate or accidental?' The law does separate intent from outcome, although in this case I'm not sure there is really any need to. The behaviour appears to have been deliberately aggressive and, even if the result was not what was intended, there was an intent to intimidate or frighten and the driver should have been aware that there was a risk it would be a worse outcome than that.

A very nasty case indeed. I will be silent on sentencing as there is no way to undo what is done and so there is no suitable punishment. Protecting everyone else now becomes the prioirty.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Feline on 22 October, 2014, 09:42:29 pm
Yep, I should have said attempted murder. A custodial sentence would be the bare minimum that would be acceptable here to most of us.
I wonder if John would distinguish what has been done to him as any different to murder? In his shoes, I would not.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 22 October, 2014, 10:26:17 pm
... even if the lack of a helmet lead to more severe injury than might have been the case if he was wearing one at the time... 

let's hope that someone points out to the jury that a cycle helmet may be effective for impact speeds up to around 12mph.
http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1235.html
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 22 October, 2014, 11:06:44 pm
possibly, but the whole quote is ....

Irrespective of the rest of his words the judge explicitly said that John was seriously injured as a result of not wearing a helmet - this is not proven. In fact it's victim blaming of the worst sort. Hence my dismay at the judge's words.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 23 October, 2014, 11:13:00 am
Latest news now here - http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/holmfirth-driver-michael-gledhill-denies-7982209
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tubbycyclist on 23 October, 2014, 05:20:57 pm
Driver found guilty and will be sentenced on 25th November. http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/johnradford
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 23 October, 2014, 05:57:36 pm
Relieved the he's been found guilty of the more serious offence of Dangerous Driving.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 23 October, 2014, 07:26:57 pm
The right verdict but as the family's statement says on the thread on Facebook - there are no winners here.  Very sad all round, one can only hope that this serves as deterrent to others - sadly I doubt it will.
At lease we're (for once) not looking at a miscarriage of justice.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mattc on 23 October, 2014, 07:54:59 pm
The right verdict but as the family's statement says on the thread on Facebook - there are no winners here.  Very sad all round, one can only hope that this serves as deterrent to others - sadly I doubt it will.
At lease we're (for once) not looking at a miscarriage of justice.
Yes indeed.

I thought that was an admirable statement by his family.  And I think John would approve.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 23 October, 2014, 08:17:52 pm
 Sadly, it only takes a split second to do something which someone later regrets. Its called Road Rage and few, very few motorists are aware of the serious injury with which they as motorists can so easily inflict on others. Living in a city, I see such stupidity each and every day that I go out and just pray that I will survive. My thoughts are with Johns family at this time.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 23 October, 2014, 08:37:10 pm
I'm encouraged to think that the judge's strange statement (alluded to earlier) does not seem to have affected the verdict.

On the question of how easy it is to badly injure someone, I agree, but prefer to think that most people actually DO understand how easy it is.  Most people manage to be more restrained than this man , fortunately.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 23 October, 2014, 10:09:46 pm
On the question of how easy it is to badly injure someone, I agree, but prefer to think that most people actually DO understand how easy it is. 

I'm not so sure. Drive on almost any motorway or dual carriageway and observe the tailgating, weaving, speeding, etc.  We have become so used to it that we treat it as normal.   I think the majority of people forget, when they get behind a wheel. that they are fallible creatures attempting to control potentially lethal pieces of machinery. I don't think many are malevolent but the majority is unconsciously dangerous.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 23 October, 2014, 10:44:10 pm
Just now on Twitter, CTC retweeted @martynbolt

"Verdict in John Radford case guilty dangerous driving sentence deferred but will be custodial"

Custodial. I hope it sends a message, I really do.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 24 October, 2014, 12:22:26 am
On the question of how easy it is to badly injure someone, I agree, but prefer to think that most people actually DO understand how easy it is. 

I'm not so sure. Drive on almost any motorway or dual carriageway and observe the tailgating, weaving, speeding, etc.  We have become so used to it that we treat it as normal.   I think the majority of people forget, when they get behind a wheel. that they are fallible creatures attempting to control potentially lethal pieces of machinery. I don't think many are malevolent but the majority is unconsciously dangerous.

I'm not dismissing the danger; But if I thought the majority weren't aware of the danger, I don't think I'd ever ride again.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: pizzicatooff on 24 October, 2014, 02:40:43 am
I’ve spent a good deal of time at Leeds Crown Court this week, watching the trial of Michael Richard Stephen Gledhill, accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in the incident that left John Radford with serious injuries that have left him disabled and needing constant care.

Other people in the public gallery have included John’s wife Pat, and their daughters Helen and Emma, who have all done their best to act with dignity. Given the nature of some of the evidence, that has not been easy for them at times. Members of Gledhill’s family have also been there, plus a CTC Councillor and CTC councillor-elect. As many of you may know, John was a CTC councillor at the time of the incident. Another AUK member, a good friend of John’s, was also there.

I did not construe the comments by the judge about John not wearing a helmet as indicating that this had in any way been a contributing factor in the injuries that John received. Within the context of what he was saying, this seemed clear, and I wrote as such in the notes that I was making at the time. Nothing was made about this during the trial by either prosecution or defence, and it was not mentioned in counsels’ closing speeches or the judge’s summing up.

Day one also saw counsels’ opening statements, a few delays resulting from the judge’s commitments in other cases, and a move to a different courtroom, so it felt that we hadn’t seen much done.

The evidence presented by the prosecution seemed fairly convincing as the second day drew on, with witnesses mostly presenting a coherent view of the incident and the events leading up to it over a short space of time. Forensic evidence linking paint fragments found on a mudguard stay cap had been found to match paint on the car’s front bumper. The presence of these fragments on that stay cap was strong support for the contention that there had been forceful contact between the car and the bicycle.

Day three dealt initially with statements Gledhill had made to police at various times after the incident. Gledhill had consistently denied that there had been any collision but his memories of the incident were very hazy, and he was unable to recall a lot of the details such as, for example, anything of what he had said to John or what John said to him while they were conducting a shouting match via his car window.

To some surprise in the public gallery, Gledhill himself was called as a witness, and defence counsel led him through a series of gentle questions about the whole affair and about his qualities as an NCO in the army. I have to say that I thought that the prosecution’s cross examination that followed this was brutal. My impression was that Gledhill’s credibility as a witness was demolished bit by bit. I’m probably biased in favour of John, but I couldn’t help feeling for the young man as this proceeded.

A lot of the detail is in the Huddersfield Examiner reports available on their website so I won’t go into that. In any case, following Gledhill’s testimony the defence requested an adjournment to consult with him and his family. When they returned, defence counsel said he would be calling no further witnesses.

That led us to today with closing speeches and summing up. The jury went out to consider at about 12.10pm, and everybody was called in at 2.55 pm, with whispers that there was a verdict. As most of you will know by now, the verdict was guilty.

The judge said that a custodial sentence was inevitable and a date for a sentence hearing of 25 November was agreed, giving time for reports to be prepared. Gledhill was also disqualified from driving with immediate effect until that date, when a formal ban will be imposed as well as the length of the custodial sentence.

There is absolutely nothing good that comes out of this affair for anybody who has been involved in it.

Martyn Bolt has posted on Facebook the Radford family’s statement made following the ending of the trial. For those who don’t do Facebook, here it is:

Quote

In a statement released through their solicitors Slater & Gordon, John’s family said: “After today nothing for us changes, our dad was a very active man. This completely avoidable incident has robbed him of his retirement choices, not only the sport of cycling which he lived for but the enjoyment of sharing things with his family especially his grandchildren.

“We also will have to live through the after effects of this tragedy. As there is not a glimmer of hope of any quality to dad’s life, it is truly torturous to live with.

“There are no winners in this case. The lives of two families – Gledhill’s and ours – have been changed by the events on that day and nothing will ever make up for that.”

Mr Radford’s family paid tribute to the people who had given them strength during the past 15 months.

“Throughout the last 15 months we as a family have received tremendous support from friends; family; Yorkshire Air Ambulance; Hospital staff in Leeds General Infirmary and York District Hospital; West Yorkshire Police; Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) and the cycling community; Martyn Bolt, a cyclist himself and the former Mayor of Kirklees; Slater & Gordon lawyers; the staff at his current place of residence Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in York

"John’s daughter’s Emma and Helen have received support and flexibility from employers Locala CIC and Leeds City College.”.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 24 October, 2014, 08:48:55 am
Thank you for the comprehensive report. Hopefully the driver gets the significant punishment that he deserves. I am tired of drivers getting a smack on the wrist for killing riders I know.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: sojournermike on 24 October, 2014, 08:55:20 am
Thank you Pizzicatooff
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 24 October, 2014, 10:17:03 am
Yes, thanks again.  What a horrid business, which just goes on for John and his family, who have been very dignified throughout.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 24 October, 2014, 10:31:30 am
Interesting how the court case went, with Gledhill's father not giving evidence even though he was in the car at the time.
Justice for John, but it will never be enough to turn the clock back.

I hope that this case receives wider publicity , to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists and the consequences of a car driver trying to teach someone a lesson by driving aggressively. The witnesses also should be thanked for their help in the case. Although the forensic evidence was pretty conclusive , without the witnesses he could have got away with careless driving.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: spindrift on 24 October, 2014, 10:58:13 am
Just read this. From what I've read it was a sustained verbal assault, including slowing the car down, then according to a witness a swerve toward the cyclist. It reads to me like attempted murder. A driver so infuriated by being delayed for a second or two that he slows down to prolong the altercation. And he's acting like this with his father in the car. Just horrible, thuggish behaviour.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Justin(e) on 24 October, 2014, 11:43:59 am
Thank you pizzicatooff for being our ambassador in the court room.

Also thanks for your fair and accurate reporting.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: JamesBradbury on 24 October, 2014, 11:44:55 am
Very sad to read.

I hope, as others have said, that this sends a message that it is not ok to intimidate or injure other road users, even in the case where the outcome is, by good fortune, less severe. However, I think we need more than just well-publicised cases like this, perhaps a cycling section of the driving test? I imagine the CTC have some good ideas.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 24 October, 2014, 11:44:58 am
As feline said above though - for some reason, using a car like that is viewed (legally) less seriously than using a baseball bat or a gun for similar purposes.


It did seem to me also that a charge of attempted murder was not inappropriate.  The CPS will go with what they think they can get a conviction on - in this case it is still a very serious offence he's been convicted of.


[edit] sorry that was a reply to spindrift
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 02 November, 2014, 06:24:35 pm
Martyn Bolt has Facebooked the news that John has been sent home for palliative care as he was effectively making no progress.

Quote
update on John Radford from his daughter
Hi All
I just wanted to drop you a line to update you on our situation with dad....
Sadly its not good news. We are living through the final chapter of this tragic incident. The day after the court case ended specialists requested that enough was enough and all there efforts were not benefiting anyone. We agreed
Dad came home to meltham on friday to start his palliative care.
Dad is still looking good all things considered he is in a very deep sleep and I hope it remains this way.
I will be sure to update you when things change but wanted you to find out from us rather than through other people. Please share this information as you feel necessary.
Thanks again for all your help and support over the last 15 months.
Love emma and family xx

This is horribly sad and my thoughts are with his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rabbit on 02 November, 2014, 07:08:01 pm
So sad   :'(

Thoughts to John and all his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 02 November, 2014, 07:19:30 pm
Thanks for the update Helly. But very, very sad news nonetheless.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Hummers on 02 November, 2014, 08:05:57 pm
Very sad news.

H
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Tigerrr on 03 November, 2014, 08:20:42 am
What a tragedy. Senseless violence.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 03 November, 2014, 01:07:26 pm
Very sad news indeed.

Gutted.

My thoughts are with John and his family at this very sad news.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: simonp on 03 November, 2014, 01:11:03 pm
We're very sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with John and his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: contango on 04 November, 2014, 11:51:22 pm

I never knew John but reading through this thread makes me feel like I missed out on something special. It's hard to feel anything but deep sympathy for the family in a situation like this. I only wish I'd had chance to meet the man, he sounds like a textbook example of a "good guy".
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Aunt Maud on 05 November, 2014, 04:21:49 am
Dreadful and heart wrenching.

The actions of one thoughtless person can have such a profound and devastating effect on so many, I feel great sorrow for John and his family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: teethgrinder on 05 November, 2014, 06:51:36 am
a textbook example of a "good guy".

That's a very good way of describing John in very few words.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ian H on 05 November, 2014, 09:02:25 am
I remember John's good-natured plain speaking friendliness. A fine Yorkshireman.
He was a consummate cyclist and also put a lot back into cycling.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 05 November, 2014, 09:32:45 am
John spoke about Bernard Mawson on the night before the last LEL that Bernard organised in 2005. I put that on youtube when Bernard passed away. That's inevitably attracted trolls. So I put a comment on to remind us of the kind of people there are out there.
One voice on the video is Melita Luxton, who organised LEL 2009. Mel took a lot of interest in the fate of Simon Doughty, another LEL hand, who suffered a similar fate to John, and is still with us.
One slight correction. Although he's rightly associated with all his fine work for the West Yorkshire DA of the CTC, he's originally from Derbyshire, as his accent witnesses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQaMOCI_wlc
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 05 November, 2014, 10:34:26 am
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, his daughter Emma has posted the following this morning on facebook,

Sadly our amazing dad died last night at 1.20am. We will be sure to update you on the date of his funeral. We feel so blessed to have received so many positive messages, kind thoughts and endless support from the cycling community it’s helped us along this tragic journey. Thank you
 Emma, Helen and Pat xx
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 05 November, 2014, 10:37:25 am
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to John's family and friends. May he rest in peace. :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: tiermat on 05 November, 2014, 10:37:56 am
Very sad news, indeed.

John's family are in my thoughts today.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Lordy on 05 November, 2014, 10:50:57 am
Such sad news, please pass on my best wishes to the family.  Such a loss
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rob on 05 November, 2014, 10:56:01 am
Terribly sad news.   We first met on the '99 PBP - in the hotel bar beforehand.   Our paths crossed many times over the last 15 years.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: L CC on 05 November, 2014, 12:06:52 pm
So sad, such a terrible waste.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Bairn Again on 05 November, 2014, 12:13:12 pm
What a senseless tragedy. 

I last saw John on the North West Passage 200k in February 2013.  Id stopped by the roadside after Settle and he went barrelling past with a big grin on his face, followed by a few hangers on at his back wheel.

RIP John. 

Graeme Wyllie.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 05 November, 2014, 12:43:29 pm
Awful news. My sincere condolences to John's family and many, many friends.

RIP John. You deserved a better arrivee than this.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: spindrift on 05 November, 2014, 12:53:01 pm
Terrible news. Pointless and senseless. RIP.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Dave_C on 05 November, 2014, 12:56:24 pm
So sorry to learn of John's passing. Please pass on my condolences to John's family and friends.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 05 November, 2014, 01:01:27 pm
So sad.
RIP John.
We will miss you always.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Mike Conway on 05 November, 2014, 01:14:58 pm
Sorry to hear. RIP John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 05 November, 2014, 01:40:48 pm
Too sad for words. Hard not to feel anger. RIP
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 05 November, 2014, 02:07:00 pm
RIP, John, I'm going to miss you.  Your family has been so strong.  My deepest condolences to them.

Peter
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Canardly on 05 November, 2014, 02:16:39 pm
RIP
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Phixie on 05 November, 2014, 02:38:55 pm
RIP John or however you will.  My thoughts and condolences to your family and many friends who now have a large gap in their lives.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: nightrider on 05 November, 2014, 06:16:58 pm
Only met John once.Not only feeling sad for his family but also for the wider cycling community.Remember John still rides with us.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 05 November, 2014, 06:36:28 pm
Rest in peace, John .   :'( 
 Fond memories of Sizun 2011, and your company on several West Yorks. CTC events.


 
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 05 November, 2014, 06:42:09 pm
Terrible news, tragic waste.
RIP.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 05 November, 2014, 07:24:49 pm
Such sad news, condolences to his family and freinds.   RIP john
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Oscar's dad on 05 November, 2014, 07:49:36 pm
Awful. Tragic and totally undeserved or warrented.

Does this mean the driver who ran John off the road will face further charges?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 05 November, 2014, 07:51:27 pm
I'm not qualified to say but it seems unlikely on the face of it.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 05 November, 2014, 07:53:42 pm
It may influence sentencing possibly.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 05 November, 2014, 08:24:54 pm
IANAL but as i understand it the judge may take into account only the crime and not the consequences. The crime was dangerous driving, for which there is presumably an upper limit on custodial sentences. I can't imagine that it would even approach that for manslaughter.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Gearless on 05 November, 2014, 08:39:51 pm
sad news to hear of Johns passing, great guy kept me awake on a 400 once ! thoughts are with his family
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 05 November, 2014, 09:55:29 pm
Indeed, although the difference in maximum sentence is stark. DD is 2 years max custodial, whereas Death by DD is up to 14 years according to the CPS website
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/dangerous_driving/
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/death_by_dangerous_driving/
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rabbit on 05 November, 2014, 09:59:02 pm
RIP John - what a tragic end to a worthwhile life x
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 November, 2014, 10:07:54 pm
RIP John.

Really sad news.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 05 November, 2014, 10:22:02 pm
Indeed, although the difference in maximum sentence is stark. DD is 2 years max custodial, whereas Death by DD is up to 14 years according to the CPS website
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/dangerous_driving/
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/death_by_dangerous_driving/

I don't think CPS can call this Death by Dangerous Driving if he survived a year from the collision, which he did, BICBW.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: bikey-mikey on 05 November, 2014, 10:53:59 pm
Devastated and saddened - RIP John
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: simonp on 05 November, 2014, 11:49:10 pm
Indeed, although the difference in maximum sentence is stark. DD is 2 years max custodial, whereas Death by DD is up to 14 years according to the CPS website
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/dangerous_driving/
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/death_by_dangerous_driving/

I don't think CPS can call this Death by Dangerous Driving if he survived a year from the collision, which he did, BICBW.

It was "Causing serious injury by dangerous driving". I looked this up after the verdict. As it was tried at crown court the maximum sentence is 5 years.

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Von Broad on 06 November, 2014, 12:02:40 am
I've just read pizzicatooff's account of the trial - goodness knows what it must be like for the family to sit through an experience like that.
Condolences to family.

 
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 06 November, 2014, 12:49:27 am
It may influence sentencing possibly.

It was "Causing serious injury by dangerous driving". I looked this up after the verdict. As it was tried at crown court the maximum sentence is 5 years.

Clearly there's a range of sentences that could be handed down - although the judge has said it will be custodial. Hence me wondering if John's death will affect the severity of the sentence.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: 3peaker on 06 November, 2014, 01:07:39 am
This is the cruellest outcome for a sport that we all love. How many times I encountered John’s humour on rides. We cycled at different paces, so I rarely shared the road with him; but he was a lively presence at Controls. It is so sad that many of those, with whom we share the road, do not recognise the consequences of a deliberate confrontation.

It is just ironic that within hours of John’s passing on Wednesday morning, CTC’s Roger Geffin spoke at length on BBC Breakfast Show on aspects of cycle safety.

Steve
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: YahudaMoon on 06 November, 2014, 10:29:40 am
So sad

:(

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Feline on 06 November, 2014, 02:53:00 pm
So sorry for Johns family and all the friends he leaves behind. And such a tragedy for John who should right now be enjoying his life and his family and planning his events for next year, deciding if he wanted to ride PBP. He has been robbed of so much  :'(
Where ever you now are John, you won't be forgotten xx
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 06 November, 2014, 03:21:56 pm
Very saddened indeed.

RIP John
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Si_Co on 06 November, 2014, 04:41:06 pm
Heart wrenching

RIP
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Halloween on 06 November, 2014, 05:18:06 pm
Knew John only from his presence at the Easter Arrows and LEL2009, but it's so sad to hear of his untimely death. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: vindec on 06 November, 2014, 05:58:14 pm
RIP John. You gave so much.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jaded on 06 November, 2014, 06:07:01 pm
That is sad, and also a closure and an end to uncertainty. Albeit the worst end to that.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Climberruss on 06 November, 2014, 07:19:13 pm
I've only just caught up with this situation after a few months of inactivity on the Audax front. This is truly sad news. I met John a few times and he was a nice guy. My thoughts to his wife and family.

RIP John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Tomsk on 06 November, 2014, 08:12:43 pm
Sad news,

RIP John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 06 November, 2014, 08:33:52 pm
His daughter, Helen Gorman, wants to know why he wore this hat
(https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10354234_10152783776385590_5012719566869750445_n.jpg?oh=5b2bd55d0857d4fafa7571bef6fc69a8&oe=54E195A8)

that she is modelling.
Any ideas or knowledge?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rachel t on 06 November, 2014, 10:56:22 pm
Emma has posted the details for the funeral

JOHN RADFORDS FUNERAL
 We would like to thank you all for the kind words you have written about our amazing dad.
 The Funeral will take place at Christ Church Helme (near to Meltham) on 19th November at 12 noon.
 The service will be a celebration of dads life, and we want lots of smiles!
 Cycling was my dads life and I am sure that he would appreciate an array of cycling jerseys in the church to highlight this. Some of you may want to arrive by bike which we also welcome!
 We have asked that only family send flowers, a collection at the service will be split between Helme church and Street Bikes CIC.
 We hope that you can join us
 Emma, Helen and pat.....xx
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 07 November, 2014, 07:50:40 am
I will be there.   anyone want a lift from the midlands.

Geoff
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: bloomers100 on 07 November, 2014, 08:44:19 am
A sad end to this terrible business. I hope that the CPS consider a more serious charge in light of the outcome.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: peliroja on 07 November, 2014, 08:58:55 am
This is so incredibly sad. Sincere condolences to John's family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 07 November, 2014, 12:55:44 pm
I will be there.   anyone want a lift from the midlands.

Geoff

Sadly I've haven't any holidays left otherwise I'd have joined you.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: langsett on 07 November, 2014, 03:19:41 pm
Update from the Police

This is an update in respect of the traffic collision on Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth on July 31 last year in which John Radford was seriously injured after the bike he was riding was in collision with a vehicle.

Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police Mark Milsom said: "We are saddened to hear the news of John Radford’s death. Our thoughts are with his family and we will continue to support them.

"The driver convicted in respect of the collision in which John was seriously injured is presently awaiting sentencing at the Crown Court on the 25th November.

"We have therefore immediately raised the matter with the Crown Prosecution service, to enable them to refer the case to the Attorney General who is responsible for considering further proceedings in such circumstances."
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 07 November, 2014, 03:39:20 pm
I wonder if that means that sentencing will be adjourned.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 07 November, 2014, 03:42:35 pm
It's time for a new offence on the statute book: manslaughter/murder by aggressive driving. No conviction presently available to the courts is adequate when the car has been deliberately used as a weapon.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Julian on 07 November, 2014, 03:51:11 pm
If the car has deliberately been used as a weapon then the appropriate charge would be manslaughter or GBH.  I think that has happened successfully in at least one case.  Proving it is extremely difficult so the CPS tend to charge DD instead. 

It would be legally impossible to have murder by DD as a separate offence to murder.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: PloddinPedro on 07 November, 2014, 03:59:11 pm
So very sorry to hear this. RIP John and condolences to family and all who were close to him. As others have said, there are no winners with regard to the legal action but let's hope Gledhill receives a suitable exemplary sentence.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 07 November, 2014, 04:57:32 pm
I wonder if that means that sentencing will be adjourned.

Possibly.

I think that they are implying that, as Gledhill hasn't been sentenced, the case isn't technically finalised. That might mean that AG has the ability to present the case to court for an escalation in the charge.

Unless all parties act very swiftly in this, I suspect sentencing will be delayed.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: spindrift on 07 November, 2014, 06:32:44 pm
A change in the charge could raise the maximum sentence from five to fourteen years.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: phil d on 07 November, 2014, 07:41:13 pm
A change in the charge could raise the maximum sentence from five to fourteen years.

But he was tried on the charge at the time, and will be sentenced accordingly.  Different charge = new trial.  Seems unlikely.

No way of looking at any of this and feeling anything less than heartbroken.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Tewdric on 07 November, 2014, 08:51:20 pm
This is terribly sad news and, while I didn't know John, his legacy in the world of long distance cycling is clear.  An enormous loss to our family awheel.

If the car has deliberately been used as a weapon then the appropriate charge would be manslaughter or GBH.  I think that has happened successfully in at least one case.  Proving it is extremely difficult so the CPS tend to charge DD instead. 

It would be legally impossible to have murder by DD as a separate offence to murder.

I got home on a road death as manslaughter (as SIO and prosecuted by an extremely able QC) by gross negligence where the car was very clearly used as a weapon.  The indictment was murder but we knew that landing that was always going to be difficult.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: BloodyHills on 08 November, 2014, 05:21:20 pm
Very sad news. I only met John a couple of times on Auxaxs back in 2007.  One of them was Paris Brest Paris where my main memory is of him wandering around naked in the shower changing room in Brest asking if anyone had seen his bib shorts, he seemed to think someone had stolen them.

RIP John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Torslanda on 13 November, 2014, 05:38:00 pm
On Twitter: Ghost bike on the A616 (https://twitter.com/martynbolt/status/532873182366400512?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=martynbolt&utm_content=532873182366400512)
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 13 November, 2014, 07:38:34 pm
Whenever I see a ghost bike it genuinely brings tears to my eyes.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: DCLane on 13 November, 2014, 09:12:52 pm
John's accident took place on a route I ride a lot of weekends each year.

My condolences to his family - and it only brings to mind that it could have been any one of us.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 13 November, 2014, 09:32:43 pm
John's accident took place on a route I ride a lot of weekends each year.

It was not an accident.

Michael Gledhill deliberately drove his car into John's bike.

Fortunately people like Gledhill are very much in the minority.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 14 November, 2014, 07:42:06 am
Thanks for posting that. I'll not make it to the funeral next week so I'll visit the bike soon and pay my respects to a great and wonderful man.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 14 November, 2014, 02:29:21 pm
John's accident took place on a route I ride a lot of weekends each year.

It was not an accident.
Michael Gledhill deliberately drove his car into John's bike.
Fortunately people like Gledhill are very much in the minority.

Indeed, RoadPeace is campaigning hard to get the language right, because accident implies unavoidable, yet the vast majority of road crashes are totally avoidable

http://www.roadpeace.org/resources/Crash_not_Accident_May_11_2011.pdf

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 15 November, 2014, 08:32:25 am
A very useful document Rich, thanks.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 18 November, 2014, 09:20:14 pm
Due to a work commitment that was in the diary long before John's passing and which has been impossible to re-arrange ,I won't be able to make it to John's funeral tomorrow.
This makes me really sad as I wanted to say goodbye to the big fella just one last time.
I will be with you in spirit and will be thinking of JR, his family and all his friends .
Sing your hearts out as it is just what John would have wanted .
 I hope everything goes smoothly and that the turnout befits  a fine  AUK,   PBP ancien  and WYDA stalwart.
Goodbye John, I won't forget you.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 19 November, 2014, 05:05:49 pm
This is acopy of a post I've put on the Auk Forum:-

Well, it's done.  On a perfect cycling day, John rode into a glorious sunset.  The church was packed to overflowing with civvies and cycling jerseys alike.  The hymns and eulogies were perfectly chosen and delivered and the respect for The Big Man was palpable.  There was also a lot of laughter at the wake, which I'm sure John would have wanted.  He would have been staggered by the turnout.  All in all, a very humbling, sad but uplifting experience.

Ride on, John.

Peter

Eta:  Amongst the mourners was this man:-

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fc2.staticflickr.com%2F4%2F3779%2F9422336430_ce4743f97b_z.jpg&f=1
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 19 November, 2014, 07:05:11 pm
Well I barely made it in time and at first sight I thought that I, and others, wouldn't have been able to squeeze into the church - it was that packed. But squeeze in we did and so were privileged to witness a wonderful tribute to a proper chap.

The service was both moving and funny, as it should have been, and had tributes from fellow riders and recollections from John's wife. And hearing the vicar doing her very best to pronounce "Carradice" was nice.

I wasn't able to attend the wake afterwards but seeing the steady stream of riders going by, as I walked back to my car, reminded me of the start of many an Audax. And I thought it made a very appropriate picture.

By the way, the church at Helme is simply gorgeous - I recommend anyone travelling or riding nearby to detour to see it.

Rest in peace John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Chris S on 19 November, 2014, 09:56:40 pm
It was a fitting send-off I think - a celebration of a life so needlessly truncated.

My face leaked quite a lot. I don't think I was alone.

Dr's Orders meant we thought it best I didn't ride from Marsden to Meltham - as there were mountains was a hill in the way, and I foolishly brought an inadequately geared bike.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 November, 2014, 01:30:32 am
I didn't want to intrude on the very moving ceremony, but I did film a few more public scenes to give an impression of the event to those who wanted to attend, but weren't able to.

http://youtu.be/IqENT0MIoOA
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 20 November, 2014, 09:25:36 am
Good stuff, Damon. Perfectly pitched.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: rob on 20 November, 2014, 09:34:15 am
Thanks, Damon.   Would have like to make the trip but day-to-day life gets in the way.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 20 November, 2014, 11:16:52 am
Thanks Damon!
Perfect.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 20 November, 2014, 12:04:35 pm
Thanks Damon!
Perfect.

+1 .
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: L CC on 20 November, 2014, 01:42:02 pm
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/The%20French%20Ride/2011-08-23084523.jpg)

Yes, we were making jokes at the time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 November, 2014, 01:45:45 pm
John finished PBP 2011 in 89hrs 51minutes, i.e. with 9 minutes to spare. He'd lost his wallet, and then suffered various delays to be reunited with it. In the meantime he'd been loaned 50 Euros, and given free food by the organisation.

When we met him at the end his concern was to pay back the loan forthwith, as he anticipated problems with the chitty he'd been given. The finish line official was at a loss to know how to deal with it, so Heather just took John to see Jean-Gualbert Faburel, who we'd interviewed at the presentation, and the issue was resolved.

There's a club to celebrate taking longer than 88hours 55minutes, which commemorates a US rider called Adrian Hands. I think it's appropriate that John's name should be on the list, and so does John Ende. It's a shame we'll never see John in the shirt. That would have been quite a sight.

http://adrianhandssociety.com/Society_Members.html
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: bikey-mikey on 20 November, 2014, 04:09:11 pm
Thanks Damon!
Perfect.

+ 2
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 20 November, 2014, 04:16:16 pm
Thanks Damon!
Perfect.

+ 2

+3
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: 3peaker on 20 November, 2014, 04:36:20 pm
John finished PBP 2011 in 89hrs 51minutes, i.e. with 9 minutes to spare.

There's a club to celebrate taking longer than 88hours 55minutes, which commemorates a US rider called Adrian Hands. I think it's appropriate that John's name should be on the list, and so does John Ende. It's a shame we'll never see John in the shirt. That would have been quite a sight.

http://adrianhandssociety.com/Society_Members.html

Been thinking a lot of John in recent days and reflecting on wheel time in his company. Not easy to make it to Yorks but reassured he had a strong farewell. I may sit alongside John in the Adrian Hands Society, as I have just applied for Membership, in recognising my 11minute saving from the 'Cut' in 2011.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: 3peaker on 20 November, 2014, 04:41:18 pm
I didn't want to intrude on the very moving ceremony, but I did film a few more public scenes to give an impression of the event to those who wanted to attend, but weren't able to.

http://youtu.be/IqENT0MIoOA

Perfect Tribute. Thanks Damion
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 20 November, 2014, 05:30:21 pm
I didn't want to intrude on the very moving ceremony, but I did film a few more public scenes to give an impression of the event to those who wanted to attend, but weren't able to. http://youtu.be/IqENT0MIoOA

Excellent, thanks, RIP John
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: LadyVet on 20 November, 2014, 05:43:45 pm
Thanks Damon!
Perfect.

+ 2

+3

+ 4
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 20 November, 2014, 05:57:21 pm
I didn't want to intrude on the very moving ceremony, but I did film a few more public scenes to give an impression of the event to those who wanted to attend, but weren't able to.

http://youtu.be/IqENT0MIoOA

Genuinely good.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Lordy on 20 November, 2014, 06:47:23 pm
Lovely Damon, thank you
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Chris S on 20 November, 2014, 06:57:07 pm
I didn't want to intrude on the very moving ceremony, but I did film a few more public scenes to give an impression of the event to those who wanted to attend, but weren't able to.

http://youtu.be/IqENT0MIoOA

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when it became clear you had a camera with you (that wasn't anything to do with us forgetting it was in the car, BTW!).

However, it doesn't come as any surprise that, given it was an important event to document, not to mention emotionally tricky -  you handled it with a professionally sensitive approach. Thank you.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: langsett on 24 November, 2014, 06:53:05 pm
The sentencing of Michael Gledhill convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to John Radford has been deferred, probably to mid January
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Ray 6701 on 09 January, 2015, 05:24:14 pm
From Road CC: Man charged with causing death of Huddersfield CTC chairman John Radford

http://tinyurl.com/q8ztrvr
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 09 January, 2015, 05:28:22 pm
Thanks for the update Fungus.

What happens if Gledhill found innocent in this new trial I wonder...?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Peter on 09 January, 2015, 06:45:48 pm
I don't know but I would hope the previous conviction would still stand.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: paul851 on 09 January, 2015, 06:57:26 pm
Surely  this trial is to judge whether he is guilty of causing John's death and if found not guilty the previous conviction would still stand ?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Torslanda on 10 January, 2015, 12:18:20 am
AIUI He's already been convicted of the 'lesser' offence and should the prosecution not come up to proof and he is acquitted he's still going away for the first.

I noted he's been granted 'unconditional bail' until his next court appearance, I take it he's already had to surrender his passport.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 23 January, 2015, 10:28:55 pm
Justice delayed is justice denied :(

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/michael-gledhill-appears-court-accused-8500375
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 23 October, 2015, 01:48:37 pm
"A trial date was provisionally set for November 9 with an estimate of five days."

Does anyone have an update on this?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Banjo on 23 October, 2015, 08:28:01 pm
Fingers crossed for a long sentence and lots of publicity to make a few others consider their behaviour on the road.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 23 October, 2015, 09:28:03 pm
I'd simply like the trial/verdict/sentence to be over. I this delay makes it harder for John's family. Closure and all that.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Pale Rider on 24 October, 2015, 12:27:20 pm
"A trial date was provisionally set for November 9 with an estimate of five days."

Does anyone have an update on this?

The driver was convicted - while Mr Radford was still alive - of the relatively new offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

This has a maximum of five years.

Mr Radford later died - 16 months after the crash.

The 'year and a day' rule no longer exists, so the driver could be held responsible for the death.

That puts him in line for death by dangerous driving, which has a maximum of 14 years.

Prosecutors are looking at trying the driver for death by dangerous driving.

Given what's happened already, the jury would be asked to decide if the crash caused the death.

Not as simple as it sounds, given the time delay.

So there would be lots of complex and competing medical evidence - the trial would have very little to do with the crash, because the legal responsibility for that has already been decided.

The likely sentence for death by dangerous in this case is not going to be more than a few years, which the driver could conceivably get for the offence for which he has already been convicted.

Thus prosecutors have to seriously weigh up the public interest in pursuing a second trial for which, of course, there is no guaranteed outcome.

It is likely the views of Mr Radford's family will be sought as part of that decision making process.

 
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: wilkyboy on 12 November, 2015, 01:30:44 pm
Driver admits causing John's death, to be sentenced in January:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-34798621
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: hellymedic on 12 November, 2015, 02:10:33 pm
From the Huddersfield Examiner:

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/former-soldier-michael-gledhill-admits-10433526 (http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/former-soldier-michael-gledhill-admits-10433526)
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 12 November, 2015, 02:21:47 pm
Well at least there isn't another trial. I'm not sure how much credit pleading guilty to the charge should carry considering the earlier not-guilty plea that led to the previous trial.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: paul851 on 12 November, 2015, 02:25:55 pm
It would be nice to think Gledhill admitted driving in to John out of a sense of remorse but I think being told that the starting point for a prison sentence would start at six years if it went to trial and he was found guilty had more to do with it  :-[ I still find it incredible that someone can lose their life just because they might of held someone up for 5-10 seconds and would like to think that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear .
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 12 November, 2015, 03:20:03 pm
Quite by chance, I was talking of John only yesterday, when I dropped off some of my old bikes at Street Bikes, a local charity which "does up" old bikes to be donated back into the community.  The remember him well as a keen supporter and in fact I first got to hear of their work at his funeral celebration.

Sentencing now deferred until January.  This is a story without a happy ending, but it seems to have no ending at all.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Redlight on 12 January, 2016, 03:52:51 pm
Sentence now given - 4yrs, 8 months

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-35291159 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-35291159)

Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 12 January, 2016, 05:55:12 pm
About bloody time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 January, 2016, 06:01:24 pm
Not enough time but yes, about bloody time.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 12 January, 2016, 06:19:29 pm
My wife's reaction when I told her, "Four years? You're kidding. Is that all?".

RIP, John :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Somnolent on 12 January, 2016, 06:43:21 pm
My reaction too.
But a longer sentence wouldn't change anything.
OTH Gledhill will likely be out on parole in 2-1/2 years and when you compare that with 'life-sentence' that John's family will endure it's all a bit  :sick:

There was never going to be a right answer to this one I'm afraid.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 January, 2016, 07:09:48 pm
A longer sentence would keep a demonstrably deadly driver from behind a steering wheel for longer.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mcshroom on 12 January, 2016, 07:16:28 pm
I don't understand why someone who has been proven to have used his vehicle as a weapon should ever be allowed behind the wheel of a car again.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2016, 07:48:08 pm
Cos it's his Human RIght!!!

(and this stupid country wouldnt let him have a gun)
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 12 January, 2016, 08:29:20 pm
How long would he have got if he had used a gun?

It amazes me that you can drive 1 ton of metal into someone and it is not as serious as shooting someone.  ???

BB
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 12 January, 2016, 08:44:29 pm
I had to explain to my wife that 4 years 8 months is actually a pretty long sentence compared to the sometimes appallingly lenient punishments handed out to some drivers who kill cyclists.

Their Road Justice campaign is reason enough to join the CTC IMO.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 January, 2016, 09:36:14 pm
How long would he have got if he had used a gun?

It amazes me that you can drive 1 ton of metal into someone and it is not as serious as shooting someone.  ???

BB

Maybe not if a gun were involved, but if someone gets into a rage and lashes out with the nearest implement at hand with fatal consequences, they would probably be convicted of manslaughter with a sentence on a par with this one. However, that would probably also include a large degree of remorse, which appears to be lacking in this case.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Arry-R on 12 January, 2016, 09:58:34 pm
Very sad  so glad I was able to make journey for funeral to pay my respects
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: madcow on 12 January, 2016, 11:04:15 pm
Gledhill claimed that he was suffering from some form of PTSD after serving in Afghanistan.
Still at least the police investigation uncovered the truth and justice has been done. We must be grateful that witnesses came forward and forensics investigation also helped to trap Gledhill. Some police  forces could learn a few lessons from this.

Also good to see BBC Look North from Leeds gave the story prominence , with Martyn Bolt speaking and Chris Crossland in shot as well.
I hope the family know that there was/is  a lot of support for JR and for them today.
RIP John.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Deano on 12 January, 2016, 11:14:12 pm
Yes, RIP John.

I'll continue to miss him. I saw him at Barnie on LEL a couple of days before he died, and then on the road when me and Miff gave him directions to the station. "What'll Bob say when he hears you've packed," I said to him.

The sentence isn't enough. What could ever be?
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 13 January, 2016, 09:22:37 am
Cos it's his Human RIght!!!

(and this stupid country wouldnt let him have a gun)

It's not really about Human Rights and lumping that sort of thing about is getting into the sort of Daily Mail reporting territory. The trouble with this is that when Human Rights is an actual issue then association with things like this means that public interest is diminished and it gets harder to protect and preserve them.

The reasoning behind a sentence that will at some point allow Gledhill behind the wheel of a car is based on two related things. Firstly the current judicial system which incorporates a system of sentencing guidelines doesn't allow for the courts to prescribe a permanent revoking of a driving license. Nor, for that matter, does our drivers licensing system. Secondly, this is because our judicial and sentencing system is designed to include the prospect of rehabilitation and reformation of offenders.

If the judge had issued a sentence that had been longer or more onerous then Gledhill would have been able to seek a review, especially if it had exceeded the existing guidelines and license disqualification practices. I doubt another court hearing would do much for John's family.

However, I suspect that further discussions on the rights and wrongs of our system would be best saved for somewhere else. The sentence won't bring John back and nor will our anger and ire over it's inadequacy.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 13 January, 2016, 11:32:17 am
With a conviction for causing death by dangerous driving though, I doubt any insurance company will ever want to accept him onto their books in the future. 
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 13 January, 2016, 11:50:32 am
There are specialist insurers for that sort of thing.


+1 for SK's post.


All a very sad episode and my thoughts remain with the family.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Wobbly on 13 January, 2016, 12:02:25 pm
There are specialist insurers for that sort of thing.

Really? Good grief. :(
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Jethro on 13 January, 2016, 12:33:50 pm
True.

But with a hell of a high premium though.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 13 January, 2016, 05:56:07 pm
Indeed, specialist needs, popular entertainers have the same problem - which is totally bizarre.
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: Arry-R on 13 January, 2016, 09:02:11 pm
True.

But with a hell of a high premium though.



Exactly,  you beat me to it!
Title: Re: John Radford
Post by: caerau on 13 January, 2016, 11:11:51 pm
I hardly denied that fact.  I saw Michael Caine once say in an interview that he bought a car back in the 60s and the annual premium was more expensive than employing a chauffeur - so he's never driven.
I also heard an insurance company quote £25,000 a year to a guy posing as a premiership footballer on the phone (on a radio show).


Exactly as it should be for this lowlife.  One would truly hope that getting his insurance will prohibit him but sadly many faced with such premiums (and even many with just normal premiums) just drive anyway, uninsured. >:(