Woman jailed after crash kills motorcyclist

A woman who stopped without warning while driving on a main road in Kent has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving after a motorcyclist died.

Collette Gibson, 55, from Lime Close, South Ockenden, Essex, was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court in March and was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday.

Gibson had been travelling north on the A249 towards the Key Street roundabout in Sittingbourne when she stopped, and a car following hit her Vauxhall Zafira. A motorbike travelling behind then collided with that car, Kent Police said.

Witnesses told detectives they saw no reason for Gibson to slow down or stop on 23 April 2022 at about 15:20 BST, a police spokesperson said.

Officers said the motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, died at the scene.

After the hearing, Det Con Sara Capozzi said: "Gibson's actions resulted in a man's death through no fault of his own.

"She has consistently denied the charge as well as refuting the testimony of numerous witnesses, making her victim's family relive this tragic incident in court.

"We are satisfied Gibson will now face the consequence of her actions and we hope this brings some closure to the man's loved ones."

Gibson was also banned from driving for four and a half years and must complete an extended re-test.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.