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Driver admits killing cyclist Clifton James when he drove across mini roundabout without slowing down

Loved: victim Clifton James
Loved: victim Clifton James

A motorist who knocked down and killed a Good Samaritan as he cycled home from work is facing prison today.

Mishal Alshammary, 32, failed to slow down as he crossed a mini-roundabout in Harrow, crashing into 60-year-old mechanic Clifton James and inflicting fatal head injuries.

Mr James, a father-of-three, died at the scene, in Forward Drive, Harrow, just yards away from his family home in nearby Cullington Close.

Today at the Old Bailey, Alshammary admitted causing the fatal crash and will return to court later this month to be sentenced.

Following his death, Mr James’ family hailed him as a “hero and idol” and it has now emerged he was offered a police bravery award for helping to catch a mugger.

Mr James tackled the man as he tried to rob an elderly lady, pinning down the mugger until police arrived. However, he opted not to receive the bravery award because he did not want to be in the limelight.

He was killed at around midnight on June 20, 2015 when Alshammary’s Ford S-Max crossed the mini-roundabout at around 30mph, not slowing down and the driver failing to spot the cyclist.

Alshammary, who followed court proceedings through an Arabic interpreter, was due to stand trial today for causing death by dangerous driving.

However, prosecutors accepted a guilty plea to a lesser plea of causing death by careless driving before the case could begin.

In a statement released after Mr James’ death, his wife, son and two daughters said: “Cliff was the best, most amazing man we have ever known. He was our hero and idol. He was loved by many leaving behind his wife, three children and granddaughter. He will live forever in our hearts. We will always love him.”

Judge Anthony Bate adjourned sentencing to March 30, telling Alshammary: “Immediate custody may well be an option in this case for the judge to consider, and you should prepare yourself for that.”

Alshammary, of Crest Road, Neasden, was freed on bail until sentencing.