Heartbroken widow of Gwyndaf John Bailey says jail not punishment enough as driver pleads guilty to causing husband's death

A widow whose young husband was knocked off his bike by a car has said ‘no conviction will suffice’ after a driver pleaded guilty to causing his death.

Livingston Sheriff Court

Gwyndaf John Bailey, 37, died after being hit by a car while cycling on a country road near Bangour Village Hospital on February 27 last year.

Driver Barry McConnell, of Robertson Avenue, Bathgate, pleaded guilty at Livingston Sheriff Court today to causing the death of Mr Bailey by careless driving.

Mr Bailey’s widow, Leanne, said no sentence would be punishment for robbing her husband of a future with his family.

Ms Bailey said: “Gwyn and I married after being together for 10 years but due to the actions of another person we were not able to even celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

“We have been robbed of our past, present and future – the reason I feel robbed of our past is because I am now left with only memories and right now that brings me only pain.

“Ultimately the person who has had the most taken from them is Gwyn but working through a sudden and traumatic loss has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.“No conviction or sentence enforced on this driver will ever suffice – the only way he could even come close to understanding the consequences of his actions would be if he felt even a fraction of the pain he has wrought on me, my daughter and Gwyn’s friends and family.”

Gwyndaf John Bailey – originally from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, Wales – moved to Scotland after falling in love with Leanne. He is also survived by nine-year-old daughter Emily.

McConnell, 47, was accused of causing his death by driving his Mercedes-Benz without due care and attention or without proper consideration for others using the road.

The prosecution alleged he crossed onto the opposing carriageway and into the path of Mr Bailey who was cycling on the A89 Dechmont to Bathgate Road at its junction near the derelict Bangour Village Hospital site.

McConnell also admitted not having a valid MOT certificate for his vehicle and pleaded guilty to a charge under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

Mr McConnell – who suffered no injuries – will be sentenced on November 26.

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