06-05-2025
Hit-and-run driver who told police he had 'hit a bird' after ploughing into cyclist and killing him is jailed
A dangerous driver who told police he thought he had 'hit a bird' after running over a cyclist has been jailed for 11 years.
Robert Heyes had been using his phone while driving a work van when he ploughed into Keith Brady, 41, along Chorley New Road in October 2022.
The factory worker was 'propelled onto the bonnet' of the vehicle after it collided with him head first, Bolton Crown Court heard.
He then smashed into the van's windscreen, causing significant injuries, including skull fractures, bleeding on the brain, a fractured spine, three fractured ribs and bleeding on his lung.
Mr Brady was taken to Salford Royal Hospital but tragically died two days later.
Heyes immediately fled the scene and dropped the van off at a garage for a routine service inspection, telling an assistant worker that the damage had been caused by a 'brick being thrown at the window'.
He was arrested by police later that evening and told officers that he believed he had 'hit a bird' whilst driving and had only 'glanced' at his phone before hearing a 'thud'.
Heyes pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen and was sentenced to 11 years and two months in prison, along with an eight-year disqualification from driving.
Prosecuting, Robert Hall said that: 'There was no attempt to call the emergency services by Mr Heyes, due to fear that an immediate investigation would show that he had been impaired by alcohol consumption.
'Mr Heyes proceeded to drive to a garage in Bolton to drop off the vehicle for a routine service inspection.
'Whilst driving there, he continued to use the handset to search for the collision he'd just caused.
'He went on to tell the assistant worker at the garage that the damage had been caused by a 'brick being thrown at the window'.'
A victim impact statement from Keith's father, Gary Brady said: 'Keith suffered from mental health issues, he was making terrific progress.
'He had got a flat of his own, which we were working towards making a home for him. He was looking forward to Christmas for the first time in ages. He had started a new job and was making a real go of things.
'I often picture him cycling on that bright Monday afternoon, he was probably thinking about work, or what he was going to make himself for tea when he got home.
'I don't believe I'll ever be able to think about Keith again without thinking of that afternoon.'
The court heard Heyes had a total of 15 previous offences, including driving whilst drunk and disorderly, drunk in charge of a vehicle and harassment.
In one incident he was even caught drunkenly driving with his son in the vehicle.
One the day of Mr Brady's fatal collision, an empty bottle of vodka wrapped was found under the van by workers at the garage.
A bottle of vodka, WKD and water were also recovered by officers from Heyes' hire vehicle following his arrest.
Heyes will be required to re-take his driving test following his release from prison.
