Kill a cyclist and be back driving in 18 months

Mark Decalmer, of Osborne Tower, Gladstone Street, Aston, escaped jail after he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.

The 41-year-old Travel West Midlands driver killed postal worker John Arris, a father-of-five who has six grandchildren, while he was cycling home to Weoley Castle along the roundabout at Lancaster Circus after finishing his shift in Newtown.

The court heard that Decalmer did not see the 63-year-old on the island, knocked him off his bike and dragged him along under the bus until he came to a stop.

Judge Patrick Thomas sentenced Decalmer to a 12-month community order and an 18-month driving ban.