Two cyclists were killed by a director at a award-winning business. He was driving back from his office when he collided with them. The court released him.
Clifford Rennie (61), struck Andy Coles (56) and Damien Natale (52) as they drove on the A40 from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to his office.
Rennie was driving in his Volkswagen Golf, and he traveled in the opposite direction. He collided from behind with Mr Natale & Mr Coles.
Clifford Rennie (61) struck Damien Natale (52), as he was leaving his Buckinghamshire office at High Wycombe. After being rear-ended, Mr Natale was taken to the opposite side of the road and located more than 50 meters from the scene.
Coles (56) was knocked over the curb and down the hill with his broken bicycle wedged in a branch.
52-year-old Mr Natale was taken into the other carriageway, and located over 50 meters from the scene of the accident.
Oxford Crow Court heard that both men were cycling close together, and they died instantly.
Rennie’s VW Golf 2019-plate driver swerved and struck the cyclists at the top of the hill.
Rennie had said that he was holding Rennie’s head and saying “there are two of them.”
It was a sunny evening and Rennie, even though overhanging trees created shaded areas on the roads, was able to see them.
According to the court, there was a tremendous outpouring in grief for victims of the accident. These cyclists had raised thousands for charity.
Andy Coles was the partner in crime. Damien Natale, his wife, claimed that she feels like she is serving a sentence.
Helen Atherton stated that Mr Coles was her partner in crime and said she had a deep-seated memory of June 1, 2020.
She said to the defendant, “I have lost my whole world.”
Brady Natale’s father told the court, “In that instant you didn’t turn, you took our little bit of calm.”
“You took the stability of our family, you took a committed father, a loving husband and a caretaking son. You took any exuberant grandfather.
“You are not worthy for me to endure the pain of writing this, particularly when my answer is ‘no comment.
Andy Coles, 56, pictured, was cycling along the A40 with Damien Natale between Studley Green and Piddington in Oxfordshire on June 1 last year. Coles was knocked over the curb and down the hill with his broken bicycle, which was found in a tree.
Rennie was seen clutching at his beard as Brady’s sister Coral said to the court, ‘This tragedy knocked me out of my life.
Tracey Natale was Tracey Natale’s sweetheart from childhood. She said that it felt as if she were serving a life sentence.
Derek Coles claimed that Derek’s brother’s murder was “horrible” on the night.
He also described feeling euphoria after learning that his brother had passed away instantly.
“It’s the only thing that I hold onto. He was in no pain, fear or any other way than we know.
Rennie wasn’t charged with manslaughter. The delays that the case reached court were a source of frustration for the family.
In his initial interview with police, Rennie replied “no comment” to all questions.
His second interview was a prepared statement where he expressed his sympathies to the families and friends of the cyclists.
Rennie said he was a bicycle rider and couldn’t explain why he hadn’t seen them.
Clifford Rennie arrived at High Wycombe Magistrates Court, where he was charged with causing deaths of Damien Natale and Andrew Coles by his careless driving in Stokenchurch Buckinghamshire.
In writing to Judge, defendant reiterated his regrets for what had occurred and offered his sincere apologies.
He expressed his hope that Mr Coles’ and Mr Natale’s families can be brought to closure by the rightly administered justice and that they will begin to heal.
Christopher Martin stated in mitigation that his victim was haunted by the fact that he couldn’t give the families of his victims answers as to why he hadn’t seen the cyclists.
Clifford Rennie, outside Oxford Crown Court following his two-year suspension of sentencing
Rennie was an engineer in industrial chemicals and was also a director of a company. He had been awarded a Queen’s Award as an innovator.
Judge Michael Gledhill QC sentenced Rennie to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years, banned him from driving for five years, and ordered he pay £475 in costs.
Rennie is exempted from jail until he has committed additional offences.
Rennie must also take an extended test after his disqualification.
Judge Gledhill said to victims’ families, “No words of my are going to bring them back.”
“Nobody could not be moved to hear the effects and impact of the deaths of their loved one.
“The effects on them and their families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased are truly terrible.”
“Some of those I’ve just spoken to feel that their lives were destroyed.
“But I do hope these proceedings will provide some closure now that the matter is over.”
“I would make everything better for all parties.
“I’m sorry to tell you that I cannot.
“I am expressing my condolences for all of your losses and I wish to express my sympathy.”
Rennie of Wallingford (Oxfordshire) pleaded guilty at High Wycombe Magistrates Court to two counts of careless driving causing death.
Senior investigator Sergeant Darren Brown of Thames Valley Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated that this was an extreme tragedy which shouldn’t have occurred.
“Due the way Mr Rennie drove on that summer afternoon last year two men went for a ride and did not come home to their family members.
Two years suspended imprisonment was given to the 61 year-old director of company who drove into Damien and Andy Coles’ backs killing them immediately.
We were able prove Mr Rennie’s reckless driving was the cause of the deaths of Andy, Damien and Damien. Based on the evidence presented, Mr Rennie accepted both charges.
“This saved Andy and Damien their family from further trials.”
He said: “Whatever was the cause of Mr Rennie’s reckless driving on that night, it is clear that Andy and Damien did not contribute in any way.”
“This case is a reminder that motorists must be alert to the surroundings and aware of any other road users.
“I am sorry to say that Andy’s and Damien’s families and friends would not have found any comfort in this sentence, but I want to give them my respects.”
“They displayed tremendous determination and patience throughout this case, and in behalf of Thames Valley Police I would like my condolences and best wishes to all those affected by the tragedy.”