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Mansfield Town ‘considering its position’ on Lucas Akins after striker jailed for causing cyclist’s death

Mansfield Town says the club is ‘considering’ its next steps on the future of Lucas Akins after the forward was jailed for causing the death of a cyclist in a road crash.

Akins, 36, hit Adrian Daniel, 33, when he pulled out of a junction and straight into him on Huddersfield Road, in the village of Netherton, West Yorkshire, on March 17 2022.

The Stags striker was sentenced to 14 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday (April 24) having pleaded guilty earlier to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Mr Daniel suffered a serious head injury in the crash and died 10 days later in hospital.

Akins had continued to play for Mansfield following the crash, including in a goalless draw with Wigan later on the same day he had originally pleaded guilty in court on March 4.

His most recent appearance was in the 5-1 home defeat to Reading on Monday (April 21), in which he started and played the full 90 minutes.

In a brief statement following Thursday’s sentencing, Mansfield Town said: “Mansfield Town Football Club acknowledges today’s decision by Leeds Crown Court concerning Lucas Akins following a tragic road traffic accident in March 2022.

“Mansfield Town Football Club offers its sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Adrian Daniel at this difficult time.

“The club is considering its position with regards to Lucas and will be making no further comment at this stage.”

Akins joined League One Mansfield from Burton Albion in 2022, and has also played for Stevenage, Tranmere and Huddersfield.