Careless driver jailed for biker's death

A careless driver who caused the death of a grandfather has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.

Driver Christopher Donnison, 40, from Gateshead, collided with motorcyclist John Wood on the A1 in Newcastle, in September 2021.

Donnison fled the scene but was soon arrested by officers, Northumbria Police said.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was jailed and handed a 20-month driving ban at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.

Donnison originally pleaded guilty to the offence in July and was given an interim driving ban.

The crash took place on the A1 northbound, about 984ft (300m) from the A69 slip road at Denton Burn.

Mr Wood, 62, from Blyth, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The motorbike enthusiast had just completed a 15-day holiday travelling thousands of miles across France and Spain, and was returning home when he died.

During the hearing, a statement was read out by the judge on behalf of Mr Wood's wife.

She said: "Birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas are a struggle without John but I think Father's Day is the hardest knowing my children can't see their dad on what was always a special time for them all."

Sgt Dave Roberts said Mr Wood's death was "completely preventable".

"This incident shows how the senseless and irresponsible actions of one person can bring total devastation to countless lives."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]