The devastated son of popular cyclist Alan Cronin who was killed instantly when he was hit by a van on the A483 described him as “the best father I could have had”.
Clark Cronin paid tribute to his dad in a victim impact statement which was read out during the sentencing of Damian Niepieklo at Mold Crown Court today.
The 22-year-old Polish national, who had admitted a charge of careless driving, was jailed for 12 months.
The court heard how Mr Cronin had not long returned to cycling again when the tragedy occurred, having had an operation on his wrist last year.
His son said he was one of the most active and fit 60 year-old’s that he had ever come across.
Mr Cronin would do 100-mile training trips, and had competed in a number of triathlons himself.
Clark described his dad as being “laid back” but also very regimented and organised.
“He was the best father I could have had"
Mr Cronin’s wife died in 2009 and he then left his job and devoted his time entirely to renovating the home, the court heard.
He was born in Chester and was proud to be “a Blacon lad” who worked abroad in construction for many years.
He and his late wife married in Chester Cathedral in 1983 and they worked together for a time in London before returning to Chester in 1996.
He moved into information technology and in 2000 moved to the National Trust maintaining their computers and other electrical systems.
Mr Cronin spent time renovating the family house and in the mid 1990s became involved with the Chester Triathlon Club.
Judge Rhys Rowlands told Niepieklo: “There is no sentence I can impose that will remotely reflect the loss of Mr Cronin.
“It’s had the most appalling consequences both to his family and friends, and his son in particular.”
