Slow-moving driver guilty after motorcyclist death

The crash happened on the A414 dual carriageway between Hemel Hempstead and Park Street, near St Albans, in Hertfordshire

A woman has been found guilty of careless driving after a motorcyclist died when he crashed into the back of her slow-moving car.

The crash happened on the A414 dual carriageway between Hemel Hempstead and Park Street, near St Albans, in Hertfordshire, at about 13:15 BST on 20 September 2020.

Samantha Wilson, 27, of Belle Vue Lane, Bushey, was fined £375 and had three points added to her driving licence. She must also pay a victim surcharge of £37.50.

She was cleared by a jury at St Albans Crown Court of causing the death of Adam Richardson by careless driving.

A jury at St Albans Crown Court cleared Samantha Wilson of causing death by dangerous driving

A previous jury had been unable to reach a verdict in October 2022 and the conviction on Wednesday was part of a retrial.

Max Grkinic who ran to the scene to help told the jury he heard Ms Wilson say: "Oh my God I have killed him."

Mr Richardson was lying on the carriageway of the A414 and Ms Wilson’s white Fiat 500car was on fire.

Mr Grkinic's wife Cara had seen Wilson's Fiat move slowly from the hard shoulder with its hazard lights on.

It continued to move slowly in lane one of the dual carriageway.

Asked to estimate the speed of the Fiat, she said: "Five or 10mph. It was very confusing. I wasn’t really sure why."

A collision expert said Ms Wilson was driving at about 19mph (30km/h) but she said she was driving at 30mph (48km/h).

Mr Richardson, who had been riding within the speed limit, at between 60 and 70mph, was pronounced dead at the scene.

'I am a careful driver'

During a police interview, Wilson said she had stopped because she was worried about having a mechanical problem.

She said she had checked her mirrors twice before pulling out into lane one and told the police there was nothing behind her.

Giving evidence, Wilson said: "The accident happened quite quickly.

"All I know is that the bike was travelling faster than me.

"I don’t know why the bike did not see me that day and use the right lane. It was completely free."

She added: "I am a careful driver. I have never even had a knock or a clip."