Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Caroline Davies

Charity brings private prosecution against driver over cyclist's death

Gail Purcell is accused of driving without due care or attention thereby causing Mason’s death on Regent Street.
Gail Purcell is accused of driving without due care or attention thereby causing Mason’s death on Regent Street. Photograph: Felix Clay for the Guardian

A driver has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of killing a 70-year-old London cyclist in a private prosecution brought by a cycling charity.

Gail Purcell, 58, from St Albans, pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

It is alleged that on 25 February 2014 in Regent Street, central London, she drove a vehicle, a black Nissan Juke, without due care and attention, thereby causing the death of Michael Mason.

The prosecution is being funded by the Cyclists’ Defence Fund, the court was told.

The case is set for trial on 3 April. Purcell was granted unconditional bail. Mason, a teacher, died 19 days after the collision having never regained consciousness.

The prosecution is being crowd-funded through donations.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.