A man has been jailed for ten months for causing the death by careless driving of a young biker in a North Yorkshire crash.
Cameron Guy Ward, aged 30, of Oak Drive in Sowerby, pleaded guilty to the charge, as well as to driving without insurance and perverting the course of justice.
He was sentenced today (Friday) at York Crown Court.
Ward, driving his brown Ford Fiesta, pulled onto the A684 from Sinks Lane near Newton le Willows, straight into the path of 26-year-old Gregory Newcombe, riding his Harley-Davidson.
It happened at about 2.30pm on Sunday 10 July 2022.
The impact ejected the rider from his motorcycle, causing him to strike the car’s roof before landing on the ground nearby. Mr Newcombe, a lorry driver from Romanby, Northallerton, was pronounced dead a the scene
Crash location
Minutes after the collision, Ward used his phone to contact an insurance provider, succeeding in securing a one-day policy. His intention was to create the impression that he had been insured at the time of the crash.
A witness driving behind Ward confirmed that, as she approached the junction, she looked to her right and saw the motorcycle approaching before the Fiesta pulled out onto the main road.
Forensic collision investigators submitted evidence that contradicted Ward’s claim that bright sunlight had impaired his visibility through the driver’s side window.
As well as being jailed for ten months, Ward was banned from driving for nearly two years.
In a statement today, Greg’s mother said: “There are no words to describe the enormous void and loss that has been created. There have been many hours of tears and deep sorrow.
“Believe me when I say that heartache is truly a physical pain breaking you apart.
“I miss Greg coming through the door at the end of the day, telling the tales of his adventures at work in the wagon. I miss his smile, his laughter, jokes, and his cocktails on a Saturday night.
“Greg was a lovely caring young man who had everything to live for.
“Unfortunately, on Sunday 10th of July 2022 he had everything stolen from him – his life, his future. Those are the greatest possessions anyone has, and they were stolen from him in the blink of an eye through carelessness.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Bartley, who was the lead investigating officer in the case, praised the family for their composure and dignity.
He said: “The defendant, failing to properly observe at a junction, pulled out into the path of a motorcycle, resulting in a tragic collision.
“Despite being uninsured, he attempted to cover up his negligence by purchasing insurance just minutes after the crash – a clear act of self-preservation while a young man lay dying on the road due to his actions.
“Though the defendant had no intention of causing harm, his reckless behaviour led to the devastating loss of a young life, robbing him of the future he could have shared with his family.”
