Burglar who killed cyclist while fleeing police jailed for 12 years 6 months

A driver who killed a cyclist while fleeing police after he committed a spate of burglaries has been jailed for 12 years 6 months.

Nine police cars were involved in the pursuit of Gary Lynch, aged 55 and of no fixed abode, when he struck 75-year-old Arthur Bourlet in Station Road, Isham, Northamptonshire on 11 April this year, causing fatal injuries.

Lynch had been driving a Mitsubishi Shogun which he had stolen earlier that morning at a one of two burglaries he committed in a matter of hours, having earlier also tried to break int a pub.

With the vehicle flagged as stolen, ANPR cameras alerted police to his whereabouts but Lynch drove at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour in what the prosecution described as an “extremely dangerous” manner, ramming several police cars as he tried to escape.

Mr Bourlet had been pushing his bike up the hill on Station Road when Lynch reversed into him, and died in hospital of his injuries on 3 May.

Lynch, who had been brought to a stop by police and arrested shortly after the fatal crash, had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of burglary and driving while disqualified.

However, from the beginning he refused to take any part in the legal process until Tuesday, when he attended Northampton Crown Court and pleaded guilty to those offences.

He was sentenced to 11 years for causing death by dangerous driving and 18 months for the two burglaries, with the sentences running consecutively. He was also banned from driving for five years.  

DC Ryan Smedley who led Northamptonshire Police’s investigation, said: “Gary Lynch showed absolutely no regard for life on the morning of April 11 – he drove exceptionally dangerously, going the wrong way around roundabouts, running red lights, driving at multiple people who had to jump out of his way and ramming a number of police vehicles in an effort to escape facing his crimes.

“In one desperate attempt to escape, he hit Arthur who was simply out trying to enjoy some morning exercise, causing injuries that sadly led to his death.

“What adds insult to injury as well, is the lack of remorse Lynch has shown throughout this entire process – being abusive to any police officer he has come into contact with, refusing to turn up at his trial and not engaging with the court proceedings at all, until yesterday.

“Having spent time with Arthur’s family over the past few months, it is clear to see what a loved and well-regarded man he was and how much his family relied on him,” he added.

“Lynch has taken Arthur away from them and this has left a pain like no other.”