Lorry driver avoids prison after killing Fulham cyclist in left-turn crash
Tristan Renshaw received an 18-month suspended sentence and a 12-month driving ban at the Old Bailey
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A lorry driver who killed a cyclist in Fulham has avoided immediate prison after being given a suspended sentence at the Old Bailey. Tristan Renshaw, 47, was driving a 44-tonne tipper truck when he turned left and struck Zinovly Savyulak, 60, on North End Road on 15 December 2022. Savyulak died at the scene.
Renshaw was sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for two years. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and has been banned from driving for 12 months. The judge, Philip Katz KC, said Renshaw had escaped jail "by the skin of your teeth", as reported by the BBC.
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Court hears driver failed to check mirrors
The court heard Renshaw did not see Savyulak in his mirrors before turning. Prosecutors said the cyclist would have been visible if proper checks had been made. A jury convicted Renshaw of causing death by dangerous driving in May 2024, more than three years after the crash.
Judge Katz criticised the delay, calling it neither "justified" nor "acceptable". He also questioned Renshaw’s account of the incident, saying his attempts to blame poor lighting and the victim’s dark clothing were "unimpressive". The judge added that Renshaw had not made a final mirror check.
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I do not blame you for casting around for explanation for how this dreadful situation took place but it is unimpressive you did not face the truth.
Judge Philip Katz KC
Victim’s widow describes life-changing impact
Savyulak’s widow, who was not named in court, said in a victim impact statement that her husband’s death had "completely changed" her life. She described the emotional and financial toll, saying it had "imperilled her means of survival". The judge paid tribute to her "grace, dignity and composure" during the trial.
The statement also acknowledged the stress faced by Renshaw and his family. "The defendant and his family are also facing major problems and are under a lot of stress right now," she said. "I have no right to judge anyone, because that's life and we never know what lies ahead."
Driver’s previous convictions raised in court
Renshaw had previous driving convictions dating back to 1997, including for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. The judge noted these during sentencing but did not specify how they influenced the decision. Renshaw had spent one month on remand before being released ahead of the trial.
The case has raised questions about road safety for cyclists in Fulham. North End Road is a busy route with heavy goods vehicle traffic. No further action on infrastructure changes has been announced by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
What happens next
Renshaw must complete his 150 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. His driving ban will also last for a year. If he breaches the terms of his suspended sentence, he could be sent to prison to serve the full 18-month term.
The family of Zinovly Savyulak may pursue a civil claim for compensation, though no such action has been confirmed. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has not indicated plans to review road safety measures at the crash site.
Questions this report answers
+What sentence did Tristan Renshaw receive?
Renshaw was sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for two years. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and serve a 12-month driving ban. The judge said he avoided prison "by the skin of your teeth", as reported by the BBC.
+How did the crash on North End Road happen?
Renshaw failed to see Zinovly Savyulak in his mirrors while turning left in a 44-tonne tipper truck. Savyulak, 60, was hit and died at the scene on 15 December 2022. Prosecutors said proper mirror checks would have made him visible.
+What did the judge say about the delay in the case?
Judge Philip Katz KC criticised the three-year delay in bringing the case to trial. He called it neither "justified" nor "acceptable". The trial concluded in May 2024, more than three years after the crash occurred.
+Can the victim’s family take further action?
The family of Zinovly Savyulak may pursue a civil claim for compensation, though no such action has been confirmed. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has not announced plans to review road safety at the crash site.
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