Speeding driver jailed after killing cyclist

A man has been jailed for 12 years over a fatal crash in which he struck a cyclist while driving at more than double the 30mph speed limit.

Jayden Adams, 27, of Ward End, Birmingham, hit Thomas Brown on Heath Way in the Hodge Hill area of the city on 26 April 2025.

Brown, a 29-year-old father of one, suffered fatal injuries and died in hospital three days later, police said.

Adams, who drove off after the crash and initially told officers he was a passenger in the Seat Leon involved, was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court after previously admitting causing death by dangerous driving and other offences.

For the dangerous driving offence, Adams, of Over Pool Road, was jailed for nine years, and was handed a further three years for perverting the course of justice.

He was also given concurrent jail terms for driving while disqualified and driving without a licence.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Adams was also banned from driving for 12 years.

West Midlands Police said that after the crash, Adams "abandoned the vehicle only to return to it later that day to retrieve and burn it".

Following police inquiries he was arrested and told officers he was the car's passenger.

"Adams lied hoping he would get away with what he had done. His actions were callous," said Det Sgt Chloe Collins.

"Fortunately, we were able to prove he was the driver on that day. He will now spend many years behind bars where he can reflect on his actions.

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Brown's family and friends who have been left devastated by his death."

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