Driver guilty of teenage motorcyclist's death

A 19-year-old driver has been convicted of causing the death of a teenage motorcyclist.

Kasper Stankiewicz was found guilty of death by dangerous driving after he collided with 18-year-old Alfie Gray on the A370 near Hewish, Weston-super-Mare, on 10 September 2024.

Gray had been travelling home from work when Stankiewicz - who was travelling in the opposite direction - overtook a vehicle and struck him.

Stankiewicz, from Congresbury, was given a temporary driving ban and released on bail ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on 9 July.

The jury delivered their unanimous verdict on Wednesday following a three-day trial.

Officer Zoe Wilkinson, from Avon and Somerset Police, said the "incredibly tragic incident" had "resulted in the death of Alfie Gray, a much-loved son, brother and friend".

"To lose a child at the very beginning of their adult life is not something which can be put into words, and Alfie's family have been trying to come to terms with the unimaginable loss of such a brilliant young man with his whole life ahead of him."

Wilkinson said the defence had said the "manoeuvre by Stankiewicz was not dangerous" but instead he was "driving without due care and attention".

"However, the jury has rejected this explanation and held Stankiewicz to account for his reckless actions which cost Alfie his life," she added.

About 100 bikers turned out to show their respects to Gray, who was a member of a motorbiking group, following his death in 2024.

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