Sentencing postponed by coronavirus for motorist who killed RAF Cranwell officer out cycling

The sentence of a motorist who admits causing the death of an RAF officer by careless driving when he failed to see his bike lights has been adjourned because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Lincoln Crown CourtLincoln Crown Court
Lincoln Crown Court

Michael Bohan, 37, was due to be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court today (Friday) after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of RAF Cranwell officer Barrie John Doherty at a hearing earlier this year.

Sentence on Bohan, of Shannon Avenue, Lincoln, had been adjourned for the preparation of a report on him by the probation service.

But the sentence hearing was unable to be listed because of current restrictions imposed on courts due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Jury trials and hearings where large numbers of the public wish to attend in person are currently restricted with only some cases continuing by Skype.

Mr Doherty, 43, was a father-of-two and ‘highly regarded’ Flight Lieutenant at RAF College Cranwell, near Sleaford.

Bohan was charged with causing death by careless driving after the collision on the A607 at Leadenham, on January, 7, 2019.

He was driving a black BMW at 5.30pm near to Troops Garage when the incident occurred.

Mr Doherty, who was riding a bike, died after he was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

At the previous hearing in February, Michael Cranmer-Brown, defending Bohan, said he was of previous good character and asked for a probation report to be prepared on him before sentence.

Mr Cranmer-Brown told the court Bohan could not explain how the collision occured.

“The position is he has gone across the carriageway and has failed to see the deceased on his bike,” Mr Cranmer-Brown said.

“He just failed to appreciate the lights which were undoubtedly illuminated on the bike of the deceased.”

Recorder Graham Huston had adjourned sentence until the end of April but warned Bohan that all options were open.

“You have pleaded guilty to what I know you regard as a serious matter,” the Recorder told Bohan.

“I make it clear all options including an immediate prison sentence will be open to the sentencing judge “

No date has yet been fixed for the sentencing hearing to take place.

At the time of the collision RAF College Cranwell issued a tribute to Flight Lieutenant Doherty.

It read: “It is with great sadness that RAF College Cranwell confirms the death of Flight Lieutenant Barrie John Doherty who was involved in a Road Traffic Accident on the evening of the 7th January 2019.

“Flight Lieutenant Doherty, a father of two, was well respected and highly regarded throughout his military career.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”