Rotherham HGV driver admits causing cyclist's death by dangerous driving
58-year-old cyclist Edward Hirst was killed in the collision
A Rotherham HGV driver is facing a prison sentence, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Jonathon Bower, aged 49, pleaded guilty to the the offence during a Sheffield Crown Court hearing held on Friday (October 16).
Bower, of Brinsworth Hall Crescent, Brinsworth, Rotherham, was charged in connection with a crash on the A616 Manchester Road, near Stocksbridge, Sheffield, shortly after 10.20am on April 7, 2025.
58-year-old cyclist Edward Hirst was killed in the collision.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Bower changed his plea to guilty, after initially pleading not guilty during a hearing at the same court which was held in December 2025.
Since July 2023, the offence of causing death by dangerous driving has carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a typical sentencing range of between two and 18 years’ custody.
Following Bower’s guilty plea, the case was adjourned for sentence, with a date fixed for January 2027.
Court documents show a basis of plea is to be submitted and considered at Bower’s sentencing hearing.
He was released on unconditional bail until then.