Man sentenced for causing death of teen motorcyclist

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in a young offender institution for causing the death of a teenage motorcyclist.

Kasper Stankiewicz, from Congresbury, 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.

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

In a victim impact statement read in court, Alfie's mother Jennifer Gray said: "We are broken forever. The heartbreak never ceases. It will never go away."

At Bristol Crown Court earlier, Stankiewicz was also disqualified from driving for six years and must take an extended re-test, along with paying a £187 victim surcharge.

The jury delivered their unanimous verdict on 13 May following a three-day trial.

Gray added: "To try and sum up how Alfie's death has left us feeling is impossible. I was terrified of losing him before his life even started. Alfie, who made me a mum, and Kevin a dad."

She said riding had brought him "so much joy" and put "that contagious smile on his face", despite her fears about it.

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".

Wilkinson previously 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.

After Gray's death, about 100 bikers turned out to show their respects to the teenager, who was a member of a local motorbiking group.

Friends fondly described him as "joyful and happy" with a "contagious smile".

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