Driver admits 'momentary lapse in concentration' led to biker's death

Andrew Shaw, 53, was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along Cannock Road, Chase Terrace, but failed to see father-of-one Michael Sault heading towards him on his bike around 5.49pm on February 15, Cannock Magistrates' Court was told.

The vehicles collided and Mr Sault, 32, from Cannock, was thrown across the road.

"He was initially conscious, talking to paramedics at the scene," said Mr Andrew Bodger for the prosecution.

"However, as he was taken to hospital there was a sudden and unexpected deterioration of his condition. Tragically, he passed away later that evening."

The court heard at the time of the crash it was dark and that the section of the road has a chicane where traffic heading towards Burntwood stops to give way to oncoming drivers heading to Cannock.

"Mr Sault had finished work in Chasetown and was approaching a series of traffic calming measures that narrow the road and give right of way to him," said Mr Bodger.

"Mr Shaw is approaching from the Cannock direction and you have to effectively change lane. This caused them to collide."

Victim impact statements by Mr Sault's relatives read to the court described how the death had caused family and personal 'breakdown'.

"I have lost one of the most important people in my life and so has my daughter," his wife Rachel said.

"I wish this pain on nobody," his younger brother Peter added.

Shaw, of Wolverhampton Road, Penkridge, used the stretch of road up to four times a week, the court was told.

He was heading towards Burntwood on the night of the crash with his wife after visiting a terminally ill friend in hospital earlier that day.

He is a production manager at Taylor Wimpey and described as having an 'exemplary' driving record over 36 years, with no previous convictions and only accruing three penalty points on his licence in 2003.

He pleaded guilty to one count of death by careless driving.

Defending, Mr Christopher Hopkins said: "He is full of remorse. It was a momentary lapse of concentration. He can only say sorry and express his deepest apologies to the family."

Shaw was sentenced to a 12-month community order, disqualified from driving for one year, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He will also have to pay £135 prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

District Judge John McGarva said: "It is a reminder that when you are driving you are in control of a lethal weapon. You accept that your driving fell below required standards only for a moment, but that's all it took."