Lucas Akins played for Mansfield Town in League One on Tuesday night, just hours after appearing at Leeds Crown Court. Akins, 36, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and then started his side’s 0-0 home draw with Wigan.
He played the first half before being replaced by Jordan Bowery. Afterwards, manager Nigel Clough explained his controversial decision to select the Grenadian international. He said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”
In court, prosecutor Carmel Pearson explained how Akins was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit cyclist Adrian Daniel. The 33-year-old was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died 10 days later on March 27, 2022.
Akins’ guilty plea was accepted by the Crown, who confirmed the information had been passed on the cyclist’s family. Judge Menary told the ex-Burton forward: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count two.
“I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”
Akins was granted bail and will return to court for sentencing on April 24. Mansfield’s final league game of the season takes place on May 3 when they host Exeter.
Akins, born in Huddersfield, came through the youth ranks at Huddersfield and made his professional debut in 2007. He had stints at Hamilton Academical, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage before joining Burton in 2014.
He spent eight years there before he was reunited with Clough at Mansfield in January 2022. He’s since played 115 times for the club, scoring 24 goals.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk