Truck driver avoids prison after killing Fulham cyclist in left-turn crash

A lorry driver who killed a cyclist while turning left on North End Road in Fulham has avoided immediate prison after being sentenced at the Old Bailey. Tristan Renshaw, 47, received an 18-month custodial term suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

The collision happened on 15 December 2022 when Renshaw, driving a 44-tonne tipper truck, turned left and struck 60-year-old Zinovly Savyulak. The victim, a Ukrainian national, was cycling in the same direction. Renshaw told the court he had not realised he had hit anyone until a bystander alerted him.

Judge criticises driver’s failure to check mirrors

Old Bailey Judge Philip Katz KC told Renshaw he had avoided jail “by the skin of your teeth”. The judge noted Renshaw had spent a month on remand, which he said should serve as a warning of how close he came to a custodial sentence. He accepted Renshaw’s remorse but rejected his claim that poor lighting and the victim’s dark clothing had obscured his view.

The prosecution argued that Savyulak would have been visible in the truck’s mirrors if Renshaw had made proper checks. A jury found Renshaw guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after rejecting his explanation. Judge Katz said, “You simply did not see Mr Savyulak because you did not check properly a final time before you turned left.”

Victim’s widow describes life-changing impact

In a victim impact statement, Savyulak’s widow said her husband’s death had “completely changed” her life. She described the psychological and financial consequences, including the loss of her means of survival. Judge Katz praised her for her “grace, dignity and composure” during the proceedings.

The court heard Renshaw had previous convictions for driving offences dating back to 1997, including dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He had also been diagnosed with autism and bipolar disorder, and had past issues with alcohol and drugs.

Judge condemns trial delay

Judge Katz criticised the delay in bringing the case to trial, calling it “neither justified nor acceptable”. The proceedings concluded nearly two years after the fatal collision. The judge said the delay had added to the distress of the victim’s family.

Renshaw, a father of two from Staines, will now serve his sentence in the community. His driving ban will last for 12 months from the date of sentencing.