Driver sentenced for causing death of motorcyclist

A driver who caused the death of a "loving, kind and thoughtful husband and father" has avoided jail.

Tony Stepp, 53, from South Cerney in Gloucestershire, was riding his motorbike between Cirencester and Tetbury on 5 October 2024 when Patrick Kirwin, 81, turned right across his path.

At Gloucester Crown Court on 13 March, Kirwin, from Cirencester, was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned from driving for 18 months.

Stepp's wife Tina told the court her "whole family's life was destroyed" and "the best part of me died on that day".

The collision took place on the A433 Tetbury Road near a crossroads close to The Thames Head Inn.

Stepp had been on a ride with two other motorcyclists when Kirwin's Audi A4 turned right at the junction and across their path. Stepp died at the scene.

The court was told how Kirwin, who had pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, was of good character and had no previous driving offences.

Following the sentencing, Sgt Williams from Gloucestershire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Team said: "Tony and his friends had been doing everything they could to make themselves as safe as possible."

He said the collision was "entirely avoidable" and "the trio were riding in a staggered formation with their lights on in a bid to make themselves more visible".

"These road users are more vulnerable, and I encourage people to be vigilant and look out for them as the numbers of motorcyclists and cyclists on our roads will continue to increase with the arrival of spring," he added.

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