Mansfield Town have confirmed that jailed player Lucas Akins has returned to their squad after serving his prison sentence.Akins was handed a 14-month sentence in April for causing the death of a cyclist in a traffic accident in 2022. Akins is returning to Mansfield’s squad after spending time in prisonGettyThe striker pleaded guilty to the crime earlier this year and has now been released from jail after serving half of his time.He spent seven months behind bars, with the remaining seven months of his sentence to be served on probation.That means Akins is free to return to his football career and Mansfield will be reintroducing him into their squad. The Stags confirmed in September that the 36-year-old was part of their squad list for the 2025/26 season and he has now officially rejoined the first team.What have Mansfield said about Lucas Akins?The club’s statement read: “Mansfield Town Football Club can confirm that it has retained the registration of forward Lucas Akins, who has rejoined the first team squad following the conclusion of a custodial sentence.“This follows a road traffic accident in March 2022, which tragically resulted in the death of Mr Adrian Daniel.“The club wishes to once again extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Daniel. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragic accident.“In line with principles of rehabilitation and reintegration, the club is of the view that Lucas, having served his sentence, should be afforded the opportunity to resume his professional career.“Lucas has reiterated his profound remorse for the events of that day and fully recognises the enduring impact this tragedy has had on the family of Mr Daniel.“Mansfield Town has provided support to Lucas throughout his time in custody and following the conclusion of judicial proceedings, and will continue to offer appropriate support as he returns to the first team environment.”Mansfield have confirmed that Akins is now part of their first team squad againGettyWhy was Akins sentenced to prison time? Akins was sentenced to 14 months in prison after causing the death of cyclist Adrian Daniel in March 2022. Daniel passed away ten days after being involved in a crash with the footballer’s Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield.The 33-year-old was cycling home from work when Akins pulled out in front of him in his car at a junction.Judge Alex Menary said Akins did not check left and right before pulling out and colliding with Daniel.After announcing the sentence, the judge said: “It is plain to me you are someone who is highly unlikely to trouble the courts again.“There is strong personal mitigation here, however it is against that it seems to be the appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.”Akins is set to return to football after serving seven months in prisonGettyWhen could Akins return to action?Akins, who is also an international for Grenada, has made 385 League One appearances, with over 150 coming for Mansfield.His last appearance for the club came on April 21 in a 5-1 defeat against Reading, with his last goal coming in February.Now he is back with the Stags, he may soon be involved in the matchday squad once his fitness returns to the required level.Mansfield take on Newcastle’s U21s in the EFL Trophy on October 15, but that is likely to come too soon for the forward. Fixtures against Luton Town, Wigan Athletic and Northampton Town in the league are coming up too. However, without an update on Akins’ fitness situation, it’s unknown exactly when he will be back on the football pitch.