Teddy Picton's reckless actions on 17 May 2025 in Grangetown, Cardiff, have left a family torn apart by grief and loss. The young driver, then just 20 years old, was driving a blue Fiat 500 on the wrong side of the road when he collided head-on with 72-year-old cyclist Brad Craven, resulting in the latter's fatal injuries. An inquest would later reveal that Picton had cocaine and alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.
Crown Court heard that Picton failed to take evasive action, 'driving straight through' Mr Craven as he cycled in a fluorescent orange high-visibility jacket with his brother. The retired social worker tragically succumbed to his injuries five weeks later at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales while in a coma, missing his wife's funeral.
Prosecutor Daniel Jones pointed out that Mr Craven was 'there to be seen', clearly visible as he cycled through the area. Picton, who did not possess a valid driving licence or insurance, claimed he was driving because his female passenger was too intoxicated. Judge Paul Hobson noted that Picton had been drinking and taking cocaine the night before the incident, with Picton suggesting it was 'part of the work culture'.
Witnesses at the scene instructed Picton not to leave the area, while victim impact statements were read in court, including one from Mr Craven's brother, Phillip Craven. Although the latter has since passed away, his statement highlighted Picton's apparent lack of compassion and remorse at the time. Picton's barrister claimed that he is now remorseful, 'acknowledging the impact it will have on them'.
Picton was sentenced to seven years in a young offenders' institution, with the possibility of serving only two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence, pending changes to sentencing laws. He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years and eight months, a consequence that underscores the severe repercussions of impaired driving and driving without a licence or insurance.