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Family frustrated that death driver has walked free

00:01, 04 August 2013

Sarah-Jane Turner and her son Graham Epps, killed on his bike when he was hit by a car
Sarah-Jane Turner and her son Graham Epps, killed on his bike when he was hit by a car

The mum of a cyclist killed when a car ploughed into him on the A2 has expressed her heartache that the driver responsible will never face charges.

IT worker Graham Epps, 29, of Claremont Place, Canterbury, died after he was hit by a Vauxhall Meriva while cycling home from work near Dunkirk last August.

One year on from his death, Graham’s mother Sarah-Jane Turner has described her frustration that the driver - who is said to have suffered a hypoglycaemic attack moments before the collision - will not be charged over his death.

The 50-year-old from Dargate was arrested at the scene of the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, but released without charge in May.

Graham Epps with his partner Melanie Smith
Graham Epps with his partner Melanie Smith

Sarah-Jane, 51, said: “It is very difficult to accept that the person who caused Graham’s death will not be punished.

“I don’t want him to go to prison, but I find it incredible that no charges have been brought. I don’t think he should drive again.

“I understand he became unwell at the wheel, but at the end of the day, he killed my son. I just want to look him in the eye and see if he is sorry.

“I want people to know how serious it can be if a diabetic does not check their blood sugar levels before driving" - Sarah-Jane Turner

“Graham’s father Ian and I have spent a lot of time researching similar cases where drivers have been prosecuted. It’s difficult for us to get closure.”

Sarah-Jane, a hospital healthcare assistant, has since moved to Nottinghamshire because she cannot bear to be near the site of her son’s death.

She wants to raise awareness of the potentially devastating consequences of getting behind the wheel while unfit to drive.

She continued: “I want people to know how serious it can be if a diabetic does not check their blood sugar levels before driving, or ignores the symptoms of a hypoglycaemic attack.

"In our case, it cost Graham’s life.”

Graham Epps at a charity event with his partner Melanie Smith
Graham Epps at a charity event with his partner Melanie Smith

The family is due to meet with the head of the Crown Prosecution Service on August 15, who will explain why no charges have been brought.

The case has been referred to the coroner, but a date for an inquest is yet to be set.

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