February 27, 2020 12.36 pm This story is over 48 months old

Lincoln man admits causing death of highly regarded RAF officer

He entered a guilty plea

A BMW driver from Lincoln admitted causing the death of an RAF officer cyclist by careless driving when he failed to see his illuminated bike.

Businessman Michael Bohan, 37, from Lincoln entered a guilty plea relating to the death of RAF officer Barrie John Doherty when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday.

RAF College Cranwell and hundreds of people paid tribute to the victim after his death.

Mr Doherty, 43, was a father-of-two and highly regarded Flight Lieutenant at RAF College Cranwell, near Sleaford.

Bohan was charged with causing death by careless driving after the collision on the A607 at Leadenham, Lincolnshire, on January 7, 2019.

Mr Bohan, from Lincoln, was driving a black BMW at 5.30pm near to Troops Garage when the incident occurred.

Mr Doherty died after he was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, defending Bohan, said he was of previous good character and asked for a probation report to be prepared on him before sentence.

Mr Cranmer-Brown told the court Bohan could not explain how the collision occured.

“The position is he has gone across the carriageway and has failed to see the deceased on his bike,” Mr Cranmer-Brown said.

“He just failed to appreciate the lights which were undoubtedly illuminated on the bike of the deceased.”

Recorder Graham Huston adjourned sentence until the end of April but warned Bohan that all options were open.

“You have pleaded guilty to what I know you regard as a serious matter,” the Recorder told Bohan.

“I make it clear all options including an immediate prison sentence will be open to the sentencing judge ”

Bohan, of Shannon Avenue, Lincoln, was granted bail until his sentencing hearing.

At the time of the collision RAF College Cranwell issued a tribute to Flight Lieutenant Doherty.

It read: “It is with great sadness that RAF College Cranwell confirms the death of Flight Lieutenant Barrie John Doherty who was involved in a road traffic accident on the evening of the January 7, 2019.

“Flight Lieutenant Doherty, a father of two, was well respected and highly regarded throughout his military career. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”