France criticised for ‘inadequate' probe into death of British wine boss

Telegraph

a day ago

A French investigation into the death of a wine expert killed in a collision with a car was 'inadequate', a coroner said.
Philip Tuck, 59, who was a qualified master of wine, was cycling in the Burgundy area when the accident happened on July 20 2023.
Tuck, from Old Basing, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, who helped found Hatch Mansfield premium wine merchants, was on the last day of a week-long trip with his son Felix and his son's friend.
The hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court on Monday was told that the two younger cyclists were riding ahead down the descent into the village of Bouilland when they avoided being hit by a BMW which went on to collide with Tuck, who was riding at a distance behind them.
The coroner, who ruled the death accidental, said the investigation by French police left 'many unanswered questions'.
Tuck's widow, Kate, said she was also concerned that the driver had provided 'inconsistent' statements about who was at fault for the incident.
In a statement read to the hearing, Felix described a 'relaxed ride' on a 'quiet country road, wide enough for two cars' that isn't 'particularly technical or steep'.
He added: 'Tom and I had dropped Dad on the descent as he slowed down and was more cautious with his no-risk mindset.'
Felix said when they realised Tuck had got behind, they turned around and rode back up the hill to find people attempting to help his father. His 'smashed up' Pinarello bike lay at the side of the road.
Coroner Simon Burge said attempts were made to save Tuck's life by the driver and other members of the public before police and ambulance arrived, but the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner said the driver of the BMW, a French man with his daughter in the rear seat, had stopped at the scene and told police that the first two riders had cut across to the wrong side of the road on the bend.
The driver claimed that the collision happened when he was unable to avoid hitting Tuck who had taken the same approach to the bend.
Mr Burge added that the police determined that the crash was an accident and that the driver would not be prosecuted.
Mrs Tuck told the hearing that she was concerned that the driver had provided 'inconsistent' statements about the incident, particularly by giving varying estimates of his speed from 50kph (31mph) to 70kph (43mph) in the 80kph (50mph) zone.
She added that photographs of the scene suggested the accident happened before the bend, contradicting the driver's account.
Criticising the French police investigation, the coroner, who recorded a conclusion of accidental death, said: 'Sadly the investigation carried out locally by the gendarmerie was inadequate in my view and leaves many unanswered questions.'
He added: 'I do not reach any conclusion that Philip, Felix or Tom were riding recklessly.
'I find that all three of you having enjoyed a cycling holiday in France, you were out for a good time, riding at a leisurely pace.'
Mrs Tuck said: 'It was a ghastly accident however we look at it and nothing will bring him back, but it's hugely disappointing if I feel the record states that my husband was riding on the wrong side of the road and there is no independent evidence to corroborate.'
In a tribute to Tuck released after his death, Ascot-based Hatch Mansfield said: 'Philip was an immensely kind, loyal and considerate man.'