Striker picked for League One match hours after admitting inflicting bike owner’s loss of life in court docket

On Mar 5, 2025

Lucas Akins was selected by Nigel Clough to play for Mansfield Town against Wigan Athletic just hours after he appeared in court and pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving

10:04, 05 Mar 2025

Lucas Akins pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving(Image: Getty Images)

Mansfield Town selected Lucas Akins in their starting line-up against Wigan Athletic, just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of a cyclist.

Nigel Clough picked the striker for the 0-0 draw at home in League One on Tuesday night, following his appearance at Leeds Crown Court earlier that same day.

Akins, 36, crashed into cyclist Adrian Daniel while driving his Mercedes G Wagon on Huddersfield Road in Netherton, near Huddersfield, on Thursday, March 17, 2022.

Mr Daniel, 33, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, where he died 10 days later. Akins, of Heys Road, Thongsbridge, near Holmfirth, admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, reports Yorkshire Live.

Akins, of previous good character, was released on bail by Judge Alex Menary. He was handed an interim driving ban ahead of his sentencing on April 24 this year.

Adrian Daniel, who has sadly died aged just 33 after being hit by a car in Huddersfield

Adrian Daniel, who died aged 33 after being hit by Lucas Akins’ car in Huddersfield(Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Questioned over the court proceedings, Clough told the BBC: “We can’t comment on it I’m afraid. We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened, but we’re not in a position to comment.”

The Grenadian international has been an important player for Mansfield this season, starting the majority of their games. Last season he was their second-top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions as they won automatic promotion from League Two.

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Nigel Clough selected Lucas Akins on the same day the striker pleaded guilty in court(Image: Getty Images)

Akins came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007. His career has since taken him to Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage, Burton Albion, and latterly Mansfield, who he joined in January 2022.

He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada. Akins played until half-time against Wigan on Tuesday before being taken off for Jordan Bowery.