Prison Sentence For "Dangerous Driving" Motorcyclist

A speeding motorcyclist who fatally collided with a man as he crossed a road has been jailed.

Andy Gilchrist was travelling along the A262 Tenterden Road in Biddenden on Sunday 18th September 2022 when the fatal collision happened.

The 27-year-old, from Sittingbourne, was riding his motorcycle towards Tenterden, when he collided with 72-year-old Christopher Smith, who had stepped off a bus and had begun to cross the road.

Subsequent investigations by officers established Mr Gilchrist was travelling at more than 60mph in the 50mph limit when he collided with Mr Smith. Witness also told investigators that moments prior to the collision, Mr Gilchrist had overtaken two vehicles at approximately 75 to 78mph, within the same 50mph zone.

Mr Smith suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by SECAmb paramedics while a passenger on Mr Gilchrist’s bike was taken to hospital having suffered a serious leg injury.

Mr Gilchrist appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday (8th May) and was found guilty of causing death by careless driving, as well as causing serious injury by careless driving. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail and received an 18-month disqualification from driving.

Detective Constable David Holmes, of Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told SFM News: "This was a deeply tragic incident that led to the loss of a life, and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family.The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of what happened and showcases the lasting impact that poor decisions on the road can have."