Tired driver killed top cyclist

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/norfolk/6235339.stm

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A Norwich publican who killed a top cyclist when his car ran into the back of his bicycle has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Donald Pearce, 49, landlord of the Farmhouse pub on Colman Road, caused Zak Carr's death when his Rover hit him on the A11 near Wymondham, Norfolk.

Mr Carr, 30, was cycling to work when the crash happened on 17 October 2005.

The judge at Norwich Crown Court adjourned sentencing of Pearce until later in January.

John Farmer, prosecuting, said Pearce could face a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

Earlier Mr Farmer told the jury Pearce and his wife had been in Turkey on a fortnight's holiday and had landed at Stansted at 0400 GMT.

'Dozed off'

He had not had an overnight sleep between leaving Turkey the night before, arriving at Stansted in the early hours, and driving back home to Norwich.

Mr Farmer said: "He is driving a car, having had no overnight sleep and no proper rest. He's dozed off, drifted and hit the cyclist."

The court heard police found scuff marks from Mr Carr's cycle inside a lay-by.

The court heard that pieces of red glass from the cycle's rear-light were found embedded in the Rover's front bumper - which showed the cyclist had been hit from the rear.

Pearce had told the court: "I do not consider I was driving dangerously."

Pearce had told police in an interview that he did not see the cyclist until the last moment.

The jury unanimously found Pearce guilty and he is to be sentenced on 26 January.

Pearce was granted conditional bail to allow him to arrange his business affairs, but he must surrender his passport and report to police twice a week.

Mr Carr was one of the top three speed cyclists in the country.