A WIDOW whose husband was killed while cycling to work has called for all elderly drivers to face a yearly driving test.

Simon Jones was mowed down at the Body Shop roundabout on the A259 at Hawthorn Road in Littlehampton.

He died at the scene from head and chest injuries, aged 48, after he was struck by elderly driver James MacKie, then aged 93, who was on his way to play golf.

A jury at Lewes Crown Court found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Now Mr Jones’s widow Linda, 59, from Littlehampton, said she and her family are still struggling to come to terms with his unnecessary death.

“If the driver in this case had been tested we believe that Simon would still be with us,” she said.

James MacKie, 95, was convicted of causing the death of Simon Jones, 48, by dangerous driving on the A259 at Littlehampton in August 2019.

James MacKie, 95, was convicted of causing the death of Simon Jones, 48, by dangerous driving on the A259 at Littlehampton in August 2019.

Two other drivers had seen Mr Jones and taken action to avoid him at 6.20am on August 1, 2019.

Lee Hodgett said he looked in the mirror of his Mazda and saw a white Volkswagen swerving towards the cyclist, knocking him onto the bonnet.

Mr Jones was sent flying, and died from his injuries as he cycled to work at a factory in Worthing.

But MacKie, now aged 95, claimed he had not seen the cyclist, and did not notice as Mr Jones went over his bonnet.

James MacKie, 95, was convicted of causing the death of Simon Jones, 48, by dangerous driving on the A259 at Littlehampton in August 2019.

James MacKie, 95, was convicted of causing the death of Simon Jones, 48, by dangerous driving on the A259 at Littlehampton in August 2019.

He continued his journey to his golf club without stopping.

Linda said Simon was a “charming, warm and wonderful person” who was well liked by everyone.

She said: “He was an amazing husband and step-dad and grandad. We still can’t believe he is no longer part of our family. There’s not a day goes by where we don’t think of Simon and all the plans we should be making and memories we should be creating as a family.”

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

Now she has called on the government to change the law for elderly drivers, to ensure they are fit to drive.

Linda said: “What makes it even harder to come to terms with is that his death was so unnecessary.

“While we know nothing will bring Simon back, our family feels that if any good can come out of this it would be through the introduction of annual checks for elderly drivers.

“We appreciate that for many elderly people driving helps them maintain their independence and reduces social isolation, which is incredibly important.

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

“However, what’s more important is that they should be able to prove they are not a danger to the public so other families don’t have to suffer the heartache we have because of Simon’s death.

“We don’t want to label all elderly drivers as a danger but it’s vital other road users as well as the drivers themselves are protected.

“If the driver in this case had been tested we believe that Simon would still be with us.”

Irwin Mitchell Specialist lawyer Jessica Bowles has represented the family. She said: “This is truly tragic case for all involved.

“The collision has had devastating ramifications for Linda and the rest of her family. Their lives have been turned upside down by the events that happened that day.

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

Simon Jones was killed while cycling to work by elderly driver James MacKie. His widow Linda has called for all elderly drivers to face yearly driving tests

“We urge motorists to take care on the roads at all times so other families don’t have to experience the loss that Simon’s family have through no fault of their own.

“We will continue to support Linda and the rest of her family to help them try and come to terms with their loss the best they can.”

James MacKie, of Cherry Croft, Wick, was too frail to stand trial himself. A jury convicted him of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to a 12-month supervision order and received a four-year driving ban.