Pensioner who killed motorcyclist Merrick Burns fined £2,500

Patrick O'Hare, who is known as John, was found guilty of causing the death of Merrick Burns by careless driving at an earlier hearing, but appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court for sentencing.

The 83-year-old made a right turn on the A49 in front of a motorbike being ridden by Mr Burns at the junction with a lane leading to Grinshill known as High Street on June 8 last year.

The 27-year-old motorcyclist, known as Mez, suffered serious head injuries and died within hours of the crash.

• MORE: ‘I have to accept my son will not return,' says grieving mother

The quarry owner, of Beauparc, Grinshill, had denied a charge of causing death by careless driving but was found guilty after a three-day trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court last month. He was also ordered to pay £2,500 costs.

O'Hare's green Toyota 4x4 and another car were travelling south towards Shrewsbury at the time of the collision at 5.45pm.

O'Hare, who is the owner of a quarry which employs six people, pulled out in front of Mr Burns, whose motorbike glanced the Toyota.

Mr Burns had been heading to his new business venture, called Junction 49, at the time.

Mr Recorder Martin Jackson, sitting at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, said that the accident had been caused by a momentary lack of concentration on the part of O'Hare but which had had a devastating consequence for Mr Burns's family.

He said: "The sentence can not bring back Mr Burns. He had his life ahead of him and his family have been very gracious. They bear no malice towards you.

"You are 83 years old, you have had a driving licence for decades without any problems. You have continued to work well beyond retirement.

"You are regarded well by all who know you. You have a history of ventures in the local community.

"You are exemplary in character and in driving history. This was a momentary lapse of attention.

"When the collision occurred you stopped your vehicle and tried to help Mr Burns. This is to your credit. This is a case where a departure from sentencing guidelines is suitable."

O'Hare was also disqualified from driving for 15 months.