Taxi driver's split-second error caused death of Bradford headteacher

Fiaz Hussain admitted that he was “blinded by the sun” when he turned into the path of Bradford headteacher Jeremy Richardson as he cycled to work in June 2022.

Despite the two men’s low speeds Mr Richardson was catapulted off his bicycle.

He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where he died the following morning in the presence of his wife and three children.

In a series of emotional victim impact statements read to Bradford Crown Court, they paid tribute to the 61-year-old and outlined “the deep and painful sense of loss” they all continue to feel.

The scene of the fatal collision (Image: Newsquest)

Amanda Richardson described her best friend and husband of 37 years as a “loving, supportive, calm, intelligent, and funny” man as well as a “talented and thoughtful” teacher.

Speaking on behalf of herself and children Grace, Joe, and Emily she said: “Life as I knew it ended in the blink of an eye.

“There will always be that feeling that there is an empty chair at the table.

“I re-live that day back in June 2022 and feel again the deep and painful sense of loss.

“For my children, who won’t have their father to give them away at their weddings and see them become parents. The grandchildren who won’t have Jeremy in their lives. The schoolchildren and communities that won’t benefit from his passion and commitment. And, for me, the future that Jeremy and I were looking forward to.

“It is difficult to convey fully my grief. My consolation is that Jeremy was in my life for 37 years and that we have raised three children who have continued to make him proud.”

The court heard that Fiaz, 60, of Barkerend Road, Bradford, a taxi driver since 1990, was in his Mercedes Vito at 6.30am on June 22.

Mr Richardson, from Leeds, was riding to Beckfoot Thornton School, where he was executive headteacher.

As Hussain approached the junction of the B6381 Barkerend Road, Gilpin Street, and Byron Street he turned right at a green traffic light. However the sun was low and directly in his line of sight, limiting his visibility as he drove uphill.

Police cordoned off the scene of the collison

Prosecutor James Lake said: “Mr Richardson was travelling in the opposite direction down the hill.

“The defendant made the decision to turn when it was plainly unsafe to do so. He should have made certain it was safe to turn right.

“He didn’t, and as he began to make the turn Mr Richardson struck his vehicle side-on and was catapulted towards the centre of the road.

“He sustained a number of injuries, which he was unable to survive.

“It’s the Crown’s case that the manoeuvre … was a careless one.

“[Mr Hussain] would tell the police when he was interviewed that he could not see up the hill and was blinded by the sun.

“The safest option would be for him to have stopped or proceed with extreme caution, and he did neither.”

The collision was captured on CCTV footage, which was screened in private to His Honour Judge Jonathan Gibson prior to the start of the sentencing hearing.

The court heard that Hussain stopped his taxi at the scene, and members of the public performed CPR on Mr Richardson prior to him being taken to the LGI.

Initially facing a charge of dangerous driving, Hussain later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, which the Crown Prosecution Service accepted.

In their statements, read to the court by Mr Lake, Mr Richardson’s children paid tribute to their father and revealed the “utter devastation” they felt at his premature death.

Grace Richardson described every day as “a living nightmare” and the sight of seeing her father dying in hospital “is something that will forever haunt me.” 

Joe Richardson remembered the “loving and uncomplicated” dad who took him to play rugby and said: “All great future happiness will hold a bittersweetness in our hearts, and as deep as our grief is, his loss is felt by a much wider network that just us.”

Emily Richardson described her father as her “biggest champion” and that she felt his absence every day: “I have struggled to adjust to having a Dad-shaped hole in my life.”

Mitigating, Rodney Ferm said Hussain’s fault lay in his “tragic failure” to see Mr Richardson as he approached and that the length of time between him turning right and the collision was just 1.8 seconds.

Mr Ferm said: “Mr Richardson was there to be seen, and the defendant did not see him.”

He said Hussain remained at the scene following the collision and called for an ambulance. He said Hussain was “haunted” by what had happened, accepted full responsibility, and apologised to the Richardson family.

The court heard that Hussain has since lost his taxi badge.

Addressing Hussain, Judge Gibson said no sentence that the court could impose could compensate for the loss of the life of Mr Richardson, who he described as “a highly respected headteacher in this city who had helped and supported so many pupils and staff.

“He is and remains sorely missed.”

He sentenced Hussain, who had no previous convictions, to six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, and banned him from driving for 12 months.

Hussain was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, and to undertake 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days