Driver sentenced over death of 'cherished dad'

A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of a motorcyclist in a crash in Lincolnshire.

Gary Skellett, 61, was fatally injured when Lucy Bentley pulled out of a junction into his path on the A6121, Witham on the Hill, near Bourne, on 9 March 2025.

At Lincoln Magistrates' Court on Monday, Bentley, 35, was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty in March to causing death by careless driving.

Bentley, of Begy Gardens, Greetham, Rutland, was also banned from driving for two years, and must take an extended re-test after this time.

After the hearing, Lincolnshire Police said Bentley had failed to see Skellett on his motorcycle when she emerged from a junction.

In interview, Bentley claimed she had looked both ways, thinking that a vehicle waiting to turn was allowing her to go first, and that she did not see the motorcycle approaching.

Skellett, who was described as an experienced rider, was unable to take any avoiding action and died at the scene, a force spokesperson said.

Det Sgt Kate Johnston, from the force's serious collision investigation unit, said: "This collision occurred when Bentley failed to look properly as she emerged at a junction into the path of an oncoming motorbike.

"In short, as evidenced by other witnesses, Mr Skellett was there to be seen, was riding normally and had no opportunity to avoid the collision which occurred.

"Regrettably, we see this situation repeatedly where motorbikes are just not seen."

The force urged motorists to ensure they looked properly when emerging at junctions to prevent further tragedies.

Following his death, Skellett's family paid tribute, describing him as a "gentle soul with a generous heart, always ready to help anyone in need".

They said he was a "most cherished dad", as well as "beloved" grandad, brother, brother-in-law and father-in-law.

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