A CYCLIST killed in a car accident caused by an 89-year-old war veteran was described in court as a ‘terrible, terrible tragedy’.

Michael Davies was knocked from his bike and killed in a road traffic accident on Birchfield Road, Widnes the day after his 33rd birthday – leaving behind his wife and one-year-old daughter.

On June 12 2014 at 4.10pm, Richard Lyon, 89, was driving his Peugeot 206 along Balmoral Road towards the junction with Birchfield Road.

As he attempted to turn right on to Birchfield Road, Lyon drove into the path of fellow motorist Teresa Nixon, who tried to take evasive action by turning into the centre of the road.

The cars collided and forced her vehicle across the carriageway – hitting Michael Davies and a white van.

The court heard that there was no chance of Teresa Nixon avoiding the collision.

Michael Davies, from Frodsham, sustained severe head, neck and chest injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

He was due to be the best man at one of his friends’ weddings and had planned his stag night in Berlin.

Speaking at the sentencing, Michael’s wife Vicki Davies said that the couple had planned to have a second child to give their daughter Lottie a brother or sister.

Michael was described by his wife Vicki as a fitness fanatic who enjoyed running, going to the gym, spending time with his family, walking the dog, doing D.I.Y and cycling.

He had completed the three peaks challenge and tackled 100 mile cycles for charity.

The court heard that he had been interested in cycling from a young age, and often rode in Delamere Forest and to his workplace of Whiston Hospital.

He owned two bicycles, one of which he nicknamed black beauty, which he reserved for special occasions on weekends.

Michael decided to use black beauty on the day of the accident due to the good weather.

Vicki Davies said: “It was the last time he ever got to ride a bike.”

“He adored Lottie and I and spending time with us – we were his world.

“He was a very sociable person with so many friends.

“The impact on the family has been immense – there is no justice, it’s ruined my life.

“I’ve gone from having the perfect life to having it crash down in a second.

“He was my best friend and soul mate – it breaks my heart to hear Lottie say ‘daddy gone’.

“For the rest of her life she’ll have to explain why she’s not got a dad – who’s going to walk her down the aisle?

Vicki said that Father’s Day came three days after the fatal accident.

She added: “Lottie didn’t get to give her dad the card she’d made for father’s day in nursery.

“I keep reliving the day of the accident over and over.

“It’s something you never think will happen to you.

“I have nightmares, panic attacks and have been physically sick.

“This is my life from now on – life will never be the same.

Vicki said that she has been unable to go back to work, where she interviews people about the future of their families.

Lyon, of Balmoral Road, admitted death by careless driving at Warrington Crown Court on Friday October 2.

A full-time carer for his wife, Lyon immediately surrendered his driving licence voluntarily after the accident.

The decorated war veteran was given a community service order, banned from driving for 18 months and given of curfew of 8pm-8am for three months.

Defending, Andrew Nuttall said: “He made a mistake – we all make mistakes but unfortunately this mistake had terrible consequences.

“He is a decorated war veteran – so many of his friends were killed around him in the war.

“This is a man who has been a good man all his life.

“He will take the responsibility of this to his grave – there are no winners here.

“It’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy.”

He added that Lyon was ‘willing to do anything at all’ as punishment.

A statement from Michael’s dad Brian Davies was read out in court.

It said: “You could never imagine how awful it is to outlive a child.

“I considered myself to be among the most lucky of men – it’s impossible to put into words how I feel.

“We seem to have lost our way since Michael died and have given up so many plans.

“How can anyone talk about the loss of their child?

“How do I explain how I feel?

“I apologise to anyone that has to read this, I’m so sorry.”

He and wife Elizabeth were due to go to Mexico days after the accident to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

Elizabeth added: “We keep thinking why did he get taken away from us – he was snatched away from us, all by an act of carelessness.

“No one should lose a child – he’s my baby and I miss him and always will.”