Driver guilty over death of cyclist on Wolverhampton's Stafford Road
A banned and uninsured driver this afternoon admitted causing the death of a cyclist while undertaking on Wolverhampton's busy Stafford Road.
Kile Straker, 24, of Armstrong Drive, Dunstall Park, pleaded guilty at the city's crown court over the death of George Searle, 74.
Straker previously had his driving licence revoked and was therefore banned from driving any motor vehicle.
On 11 July 2013, Straker drove his Seat Leon Cupra onto the A449 'at speed'.
As he approached a van, which had moved lane to overtake a bicycle ridden by Mr Searle, Straker conducted an undertaking manoeuvre which resulted in his car colliding with the cyclist.
Straker fled the scene at speed in his car, which he later hid in nearby garages.
Today he admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst unlicensed and causing death by driving whilst uninsured.
See also: Tributes paid to tragic cyclist George Searle, 74, after Wolverhampton hit-and-run
Emma Wynne-Owen, Senior Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Kile Straker was fully aware that he was banned from driving, but knowing this and the fact he had no insurance, he still drove his car at high speeds carrying out illegal and dangerous manoeuvres along a busy road in Wolverhampton, which ultimately resulted in him colliding with and killing George Searle.
"After the collision, rather than stop and seek emergency help for Mr Searle, the defendant drove off in order to escape the fact that he should not have been driving on a public highway.
"He was traced as the owner and driver of the car, but he denied being the driver of the car. However, today he has been found guilty of causing the death of Mr Searle.
"Our thoughts are today with the family and friends of Mr Searle."
Straker has been bailed to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing on November 10.
