A MINIBUS driver has been spared jail after driving into a cyclist and killing him.

Preston Crown Court heard Robert Worden died after he was hit by a Mercedes minibus near Whitebirk Roundabout, Blackburn, last June.

The Great Harwood victim’s family, including his two daughters, Lily, 20, and Emily, 25, said the 53-year-old was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

David Haythornwhite, who was driving the 29-seater vehicle, said it was a burden he would have to live with for the rest of his life. Honorary judge Mark Brown said: “You will have to bear the loss of life on your conscious for the rest of your years.”

The court heard Haythornwhite, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, had completed a school run at around 4pm on Tuesday, June 5, moments before the accident. The 58-year-old, who has 28 years’ experience of driving, was heading to another job via Whitebirk Roundabout and had noticed the cyclist travelling from Whitebirk Road.

But he became momentarily distracted at a give-way sign by the junction of Whitebirk Road, looking at traffic to his right instead of in front of him, the court heard.

Moments later the bus hit the cyclist, who was left trapped underneath. Passers-by, including an off-duty firefighter, rushed to help Mr Worden before paramedics and police arrived. The cyclist was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The court heard Mr Worden, born in Whalley, had been struggling to cope with the loss of his wife, who died in 2016. Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, who read out the victim statements from Mr Worden’s mother and eldest daughter, said: “Emily’s mother sadly passed away in 2016 and the death has been particularly difficult to come to terms with. Emily and Lily are left without both their parents.”

Haythornwhite, who had no previous convictions, had pleaded guilty to causing death while driving without due care and attention at Blackburn Magistrates Court. He was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, was disqualified from driving for 21 months and must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work.

David James, defending, said: “He accepts blame is solely on his shoulders and said it’s a burden he will carry for the rest of his life.” The court heard Haythornwhite has been sacked from his job.

Mr Brown described what had happened as a terrible accident and said: “It highlights once again the dangers that can arise from poor driving.”