A driver who went on trial in a private prosecution for causing the death of a cyclist has been acquitted.

Gail Purcell, 59, of Colney Street, St Albans, was found not guilty of careless driving by a jury at the Old Bailey this afternoon.

Teacher Michael Mason was cycling on Regent Street in London on 25 February 2014 when he was hit from behind.

He sustained a fatal injury to his brain and died 19 days later, having never regained consciousness.

The case was brought to court as a private prosecution by Cycling UK's Cyclists' Defence Fund after police decided not to refer it to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The jury at the Old Bailey took 17 minutes to clear Purcell of causing death by careless driving.

More than 2,000 people donated over £80,000 to help fund the case.

Anna Tatton-Brown, Michael Mason's daughter, reacted to the jury's decision saying: "My family and I respect the decision the jury have reached, although we are obviously disappointed.

“It seems that failing to be aware of what’s in front of you while you’re driving is an acceptable mistake, not careless, and that no explanation for that failure is necessary. 

“We do, however, draw some comfort from the fact that the evidence was finally put to a jury, something that should have happened long ago. It should not have taken the intervention of CDF, and the support of many members of the public, to bring this case to court.

“Given that the judge accepted that there was a case which the jury had to consider, we would hope that the police will now conduct a review into their investigation, their rush to blame the victim, their refusal to seek CPS advice, and consider what lessons might be learned. 

“My family would once again like to express our sincere and grateful appreciation for all of the support we have received in our search for justice for my much-loved dad.” 

The four-day trial is believed to be the first case to be paid for through crowd-funding.