Mansfield Town Welcomes Back Striker Lucas Akins After Prison Release
Striker Lucas Akins has rejoined Mansfield Town following his release from prison, as confirmed by the League One club.
The 36-year-old was sentenced to 14 months in prison in April after pleading guilty to causing the death of a cyclist through careless or inconsiderate driving.
Adrian Daniel, 33, passed away ten days after being struck by a Mercedes G350 driven by Akins near Huddersfield in March 2022.
Akins has reportedly been released after serving half of his sentence, with the remainder to be completed under probation.
In a statement, the club expressed its commitment to rehabilitation, stating, "In line with principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, the club believes that Lucas, having served his sentence, should be given the opportunity to resume his professional career."
The club also mentioned that they will "continue to offer appropriate support as he returns to the first-team environment."
Akins was part of the Mansfield team at the time of the incident and continued to play for the Stags until his incarceration.
He pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court on March 4, just hours before starting a league match.
After Akins' sentencing more than a month later, Stags manager Nigel Clough described the prison term as an "unbelievable shock" to the club.
Despite his contract expiring, Akins' future with the club remained uncertain, as he was not among those released by Mansfield during the summer.
The Stags extended their "sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Daniel," stating, "our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragic accident."