Family of North Wales cyclist killed in A5 crash 'unhappy' at police investigation

Dave Fanning, popular cyclist killed in A5 crash
-Credit: (Image: Helen Tudor)


The family of a keen cyclist who was killed on the A5 are unhappy about the police investigation into the incident, it has been revealed. David Fanning, 56, from Pencoed, Corwen, died after being hit by a car at Llidiart-y-Parc, on the outskirts of Corwen, Denbighshire on January 31, 2022.

A member of Bala Cycling Club, he was well-known on the North Wales cycling scene, especially for his appearances in time trials. At a pre-inquest hearing in Ruthin John Gittins, Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, said one of the reasons for the delay in holding an inquest was that he had to wait for North Wales Police to consider potential criminal charges.

"The outcome is that they do not feel there were charges to be brought," he said. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here

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But barrister William Tyler, representing Mr Fanning’s family, said they had concerns about the report prepared by Forensic Collision Investigator Ian Thompson who, it was felt, had concentrated more on Mr Fanning’s clothing than on the driving of Lowri Williams, whose 4 x 4 hit him.

"It takes no account of her speed,” he said. He said that Mr Fanning’s sister Claire Grant also felt that not enough analysis had been carried out of Ms Williams’s phone.

The coroner said the phone had been interrogated and it was found that it was not in use. "But what does that mean?" asked Mr Tyler. “Not in use has a range of meanings and does not necessarily mean it is not being looked at.”

Mr Gittins said he felt it would be possible to proceed to a full inquest without the need for further independent evidence. But he added: “I will seek a mobile phone analysis.”

The full inquest is expected to be held before the end of the year. Tributes at the time of his death described Mr Fanning "full of life" and someone who always "led from the front".

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