Witcham Toll: Hit-and-run driver jailed over biker crash death

  • Published
Luke DavidsonImage source, Cambridgeshire Police
Image caption,

Luke Davidson turned right out of a petrol station across Ian Parnell's path and killed him

A disqualified and uninsured driver who killed a motorcyclist when turning out of a petrol station and then fled has been jailed.

Ian Parnell, 57, from Outwell, Norfolk, died on the A142 at Witcham Toll, Cambridgeshire, on 20 May.

Luke Davidson, 20, from Mepal, later phoned police before he was arrested.

He admitted causing death by driving while disqualified and uninsured at Cambridge Crown Court and was jailed for four years and seven months.

Davidson, who was turning right out of a petrol station, drove his Chrysler in front of Mr Parnell's Suzuki GSX motorcycle heading westbound towards Sutton.

Media caption,

Disqualified driver kills motorcyclist in collision

After the crash, he got out of his car and looked at Mr Parnell before fleeing the scene, said Cambridgeshire Police.

Davidson, who had been identified on the service station's CCTV, called police an hour later to claim responsibility.

Cambridgeshire Police said its investigations revealed he was disqualified from driving after a previous drug-driving conviction.

Image source, Google
Image caption,

The crash happened on the A142 at Witcham Toll in Cambridgeshire, near to an Esso service station

Det Sgt Craig Wheeler said: "This was a terrible collision that saw a much-loved father lose his life and our thoughts continue to be with his family.

"Davidson selfishly got behind the wheel of the car despite knowing he was disqualified and only he will know why he did what he did.

"Ultimately, I am glad he has faced justice and I hope this sentence gives Mr Parnell's family some closure."

Davidson was also disqualified from driving for eight years.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.