Cyclist Guy Wharton Was Killed When His Bicycle Was Hit By A Car On the Cat and Fiddle

The wife of a teacher killed after being hit by a car has spoken of her anguish today as the driver of the car was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at Chester Crown Court although he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Guy Wharton, 46, was fatally injured in a collision with a blue Renault Clio, driven by Philip Lea Christian, 42 from Buxton, on the A537 Buxton New Road in Macclesfield, also known as the Cat and Fiddle, one of Britain’s most dangerous stretches of roads.

Specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by Francesca Wharton, Guy’s wife, to support them since the fatal accident.

Francesca, who married Guy in 2001, said: “It is very disappointing that the driver has been found guilty of only careless driving and nothing will ever bring back the father of my children. I am so dismayed that this has had to come to trial which has drawn out the process for me and my family, 

“The incident has had a huge impact on mine and the rest of the family’s lives, and ultimately, today’s verdict will not undo what’s happened. Guy had such a zest for life, was fit and healthy and loved teaching as well as his cycling and spending time with his family. It is still hard to believe at times he is no longer with us.”

Guy, who was a science teacher at Tytherington High School in Macclesfield, was cycling home after enjoying a ride after work when the incident occurred. Christian was overtaking another vehicle and a cyclist on a bend when he collided head on with Guy who was travelling in the opposite direction on his bicycle, killing him on impact.

Matthew Garson, an expert serious injury and road accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family said: 

Expert Opinion

“Road safety is a cause we are passionate about as we see first-hand on a daily basis the impact that collisions can have on people’s lives – particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

“This case highlights the consequences of failing to be fully aware of other road users while driving can be fatal and devastating. Due to Christian’s actions, three children will now have to grow up without their father.

“Nothing is more important than your own safety and the safety of others on the roads. It is vital that people remember this when while driving, particularly on dangerous stretches of road." Matthew Garson - Partner

Christian will now be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on 9 March.

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