Family of man killed in crash remember 'caring son'

Gregory Newcombe died when his Harley-Davidson was struck by a car in 2022

The family of a motorcyclist killed in a crash in North Yorkshire have paid tribute to a “caring man who had everything to live for”.

Gregory Newcombe, 26, died when his Harley-Davidson was hit by a Ford Fiesta in Sinks Lane, on the A684 near Bedale on in 2022.

On Friday, Cameron Ward was jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving, causing death while driving a vehicle while unlicensed or insured and perverting the course of justice.

Mr Newcombe’s mother, Pauline Calvert, said her family had endured "two years of pain and heartbreak".

In a statement read out in court, she said: "There are no words to describe the enormous void and loss that has been created.

"There have been many hours of tears and deep sorrow.

"Believe me when I say that heartache is truly a physical pain breaking you apart.

"I miss his smile, his laughter, jokes, and his cocktails on a Saturday night, Greg was a lovely caring young man who had everything to live for."

She said since the crash she could "no longer face" driving along the road where the crash happened, saying she was "haunted" by the thought her son had died there.

"There will be no grandchildren from Greg for me to dote on, and all I have now are memories of a lovely boy, a certificate from the crematorium, and a box of ash," she said.

'Worst nightmare'

Mr Newcombe's father, Chris Newcombe, said the loss of his son was "indescribable", saying that on 10 July 2022 "our world fell apart and our lives changed forever".

He said: "I will never hold him again, never see him again, never hear his voice again and be able to spend precious moments with him, it’s every parent’s worst nightmare and that loss will stay with me forever."

His younger brother, Henry, said he had lost his "best friend and go to person", while his grandmother said: “Nothing can replace that empty space in my heart and mind I shall mourn him for the rest of my life.”

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