A taxi driver who caused the death of a “highly respected” school principal in an accident while cycling to work has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Jeremy Richardson, 61, died after Fiaz Hussain, 60, fell off his bike in Barkerend Road, Bradford, in June 2022.

Mr Hussain, of Barkerend Road, was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.

Sentencing at Bradford Crown Court, Hussain said he could not see Mr Richardson coming towards him down the hill because he was “blinded by the sun”.

Prosecutor James Lake said Mr Richardson, a headteacher at Beckfoot Thornton School, crashed into Hussain’s Mercedes Vito after the driver swerved out of the way, even though it was “unsafe” to do so.

He told the court that Hussein stood at the scene after the collision and called an ambulance, while other members of the public performed CPR on the injured cyclist.

In a series of victim impact statements read in court, Mr Richardson’s family described the devastating impact of his sudden death.

His wife, Amanda, said he had received hundreds of messages from colleagues and students, past and present, telling him what a difference he had made to their lives.

“He was a talented and thoughtful teacher who always brought out the best in others,” he said.

He said he is committed to working in communities that are often overlooked and has a track record of improving every school he plays a leading role in.

Lawyer Rodney Ferm, for Hussain, said it was a “tragic failure” to see the approaching cyclist.

He said that his client, who is married and the father of two children, has been working as a taxi driver with a perfect driving record since 1990, but has now lost his job.

Sentencing Hussain, Judge Jonathan Gibson acknowledged his remorse for his crime and said that after considering all the arguments put forward, he concluded that the six-month prison sentence could be suspended for 12 months.

Hussain will be required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

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