Lorry driver who killed cyclist in hit and run given suspended sentence

A lorry driver who killed a cyclist in a hit and run incident in Shropshire last year has walked free from court after receiving a suspended sentence.

Mark Baker, 40, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Michael Saunders, 61, by careless driving on the A49 near Dorrington in June 2014.

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Shrewsbury Crown Court sentenced Baker to six months imprisonment but suspended it for 12 months.

According to the BBC, Baker had initially tried to claim the damage to his lorry caused by the collision occurred at a vehicle yard, but he changed his plea due to "overwhelming evidence against him".

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Spokesman Robin Allen said: "A prudent and careful driver would have seen Michael Saunders, who was using flashing lights [and] wearing high visibility bright yellow clothing.

"More importantly, having seen the cyclist, they would have avoided colliding with him."

Baker was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service and was disqualified from driving for two years.