Rebecca Comins van driver killer jailed for four years
Triathlete Killer Driver Gets Four Years In Jail
Vasile Barbu explained to the police during questioning that he was unable to understand how he struck Mrs. Comins.
A man driving a van caused the death of a Team GB triathlete during a cycling event in June 2022 and has been sentenced to four years in prison.
52-year-old Rebecca Comins was participating in a time trial competition on the A40 close to Raglan, Monmouthshire, when courier Vasile Barbu collided with her, causing her to fall off her bike.
Barbu, 49, informed the authorities that he was unaware of hitting the mother of two and mistook the sound of the collision for a package falling in his vehicle.
A judge at Cardiff Crown Court said he had made a "huge mistake by trying to pass another vehicle at the very last moment".
In court, it was revealed that Mrs. Comins was cycling on a sunny day with a shining, flashing light on her bike when she was struck.
Barbu was convicted of causing the death of the woman by driving dangerously after a trial that lasted five days. Instead of switching lanes on the dual carriageway, he crashed into her from behind.
After passing a test for alcohol and drugs, he informed the police that he had witnessed Mrs. Comins but was unable to account for how he ended up hitting her.
Judge Shoman Khan mentioned that it would have been simple for Barbu to switch to the outer lane and pass the other driver, as many other drivers had done. In addition to this, Barbu was given a two-year extension on his driving ban.
You might have, and really should have, allowed her more room and given yourself more time.
He said it was a "disastrous choice to pass at the final moment".
George Comins, the son of Mrs. Comins, was participating in the cycling event as well. He received the news that his mother had been in an accident after the event. George rushed to the hospital, only to find out she had passed away.
In a statement describing the impact on him as a victim, he mentioned that he has not been able to ride since her unfortunate passing.
The family of Mrs. Comins expressed their admiration for her, describing her as a fantastic wife and mother to her husband Stephen and their children George and Millie.
They also mentioned, "Beckie had a heart of gold and served as a source of motivation for numerous people."
She adored her family, friends, and sports, and was always the first to lend a hand and give guidance.
We are thrilled by all the accomplishments she has made in her lifetime.
Our lives were forever altered when we lost her, and this ruling will never bring her back.
"We long for her presence and she will always hold a special place in our hearts."
Source of the image, Family picture
Mrs Comins' relatives expressed their immense pride in her accomplishments throughout her life.
A seasoned winner of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series, Mrs. Comins had competed for Wales just the weekend prior to the accident.
Welsh Triathlon described her as a strong competitor with a contagious positivity and energy.
"She completed the Ironman Wales race multiple times and also competed for the Great Britain Age Group Team at the European Championships in Tartu 2018 and the World Championships in Lausanne in 2019," the article mentioned.
We are saddened by the loss of our friend in the triathlon community and our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
Mrs Comins was part of the Dragon Tri Club, Newport Phoenix Cycling Club, and Caldicot Running Club as well.
A representative from Gwent Police stated that this case serves as a warning to all drivers that they have control of a potentially risky vehicle when they are on the road.
They mentioned that it's not only your job to make sure you are safe, but also to look out for the safety of those around you.
