Tribute to 'devoted son' as killer jailed

Nick Bennell was killed on 18 August 2021 when travelling from Worcester to Redditch on his motorbike

The family of a father who died after being knocked off his motorcycle have paid tribute to their "inquisitive and adventurous" relative.

Fay Newman killed Nick Bennell, 35, while at the wheel of her car on the A448 Bromsgrove Highway towards Redditch when she overtook traffic and hit Mr Bennell and his motorbike in 2021.

On Monday, she was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to 20 months in prison at Worcester Crown Court.

Mr Bennell's family described him as "a devoted son... supportive big brother... [and] fun, loving, entertaining uncle and father-of-two."

Newman was also disqualified from driving for two years and ten months.

Mr Bennell’s mother Denise, 62, paid tribute to her son who was killed when travelling from Worcester to Redditch on 18 August 2021.

'Sadly snubbed out'

“He had a smile that would brighten up the room and the most infectious laugh.

“Nick was very sociable and was always first on the dance floor at any family gathering we had."

The father came off his bike in a separate incident moments before the fatal crash and, with traffic in lane one of the dual carriageway, Newman moved to lane two before she struck him - he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His life’s light was sadly snubbed out but will always shine bright in my heart for the rest of my life."

Newman was sentenced to 20 months at Worcester Crown Court

“His older siblings remember fondly their baby brother’s mop of hair, big blue eyes, and inquisitive and adventurous nature.

"He was a supportive big brother to his little sister, he was everything to her. He was a fun-loving, entertaining uncle and a loving father of two.

“These are all memories that will be cherished forever in their hearts and thoughts. He will not see his children grow up, meet any grandchildren or be there for any future family milestones.

“Our broken hearts will always miss him, but his bright shining light will remain in ours, his elderly grandmother and the wider family’s memories forever.”