Lucas Akins, aged 36, found himself behind bars in April of this year after being held responsible for the tragic death of cyclist Adrian Daniel in a road traffic incident that occurred in March 2022. The court sentenced him to 14 months in prison, with seven of those months to be served in custody and the remaining seven on licence. At the time of his sentencing, Akins was still under contract with the Stags, but his term with the team came to an end on June 30, 2025.
Mansfield Town Football Club has made the decision to bring back the striker, Lucas Akins, despite his recent incarceration. The club released a statement explaining that they are standing by Akins as part of their commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration principles. The statement from the club confirmed that Akins has rejoined the first team squad following the completion of his custodial sentence, which stemmed from the fatal accident that took the life of Mr. Adrian Daniel in March 2022. The club expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the victim and emphasized their support for Akins as he seeks to resume his professional career.
The journey of Lucas Akins with Mansfield began in 2022 after spending eight seasons with Burton Albion. He admitted to causing death by careless driving in a court hearing at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year, leading to his time behind bars and a one-year driving ban. Despite the tragic circumstances of the accident, Mansfield Town believes that Akins deserves a second chance to pursue his passion for football. The club’s manager, Nigel Clough, has shown support for Akins, acknowledging his remorse for the events that transpired and the impact it has had on the Daniel family. As Akins returns to the pitch, he carries with him the weight of the past but also the hope for a brighter future in the sport he loves.
