Jail for motorcyclist who hit and killed pedestrian

A motorcyclist who ran a red traffic light and fatally a pedestrian has been jailed for eight years and four months.

Darren Roberts, 22, was travelling along Drakes Way in Swindon on a Yamaha XJ600 motorbike on 31 January 2022 when he rode through the red light, hitting Neil Sharp, 38.

Mr Sharp, who was at a pedestrian crossing, died at the scene.

Roberts, who was travelling at almost twice the 40mph speed limit, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Tuesday.

An investigation by Wiltshire Police found the bike Roberts was riding was in a dangerous condition, with significant wear on the tyres which were also severely underinflated.

Roberts, of Redhouse Way, Swindon, also had no insurance or the correct licence to ride the bike and was also found in possession of class A drugs.

He was sentenced to six-years-and-eight-months imprisonment.

He received a further 18-months for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, giving a total sentence of eight-years-and-four-months. A two-month sentence for common assault will run concurrently.

Investigating officer PC Charlotte Sartin said: "Roberts has shown no remorse for his actions that night and instead looked to blame Neil for the collision."

"We are committed to reducing collisions in Wiltshire and clamping down on the Fatal Five offences – the five driving offences most likely to lead to a fatal or serious injury collision.

"These are speeding, drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone while driving, driving without a seat belt and driving carelessly/dangerously," she added.

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