A Rutland woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting causing the death of a motorcyclist in a collision near the Lincolnshire border.
Lucy Bentley, 35, of Greetham in Rutland, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving following a two-vehicle crash on the A6121 at Witham on the Hill.
Picture: Gary Skellett
The collision happened just after midday on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at a crossroads linking Elm Avenue with the A6121.
The court heard Bentley had been travelling from Witham on the Hill towards the junction when she stopped at the give-way line before pulling out onto the main road.
At the same time, Gary Skellett, 61, was riding his Suzuki GSF Bandit motorcycle southbound on the A6121 towards Carlby.
A witness waiting on the main road to turn right towards Manthorpe had seen two motorcycles approaching. Mr Skellett was riding the second of the two bikes.
Bentley pulled out into the path of Mr Skellett, having failed to see him. Despite travelling within the speed limit, the experienced rider had no opportunity to take avoiding action and died at the scene.
An investigation by specialist collision officers found no mechanical faults with either vehicle that could have contributed to the crash.
Enquiries established Bentley had stopped at the junction but moved off around two seconds before the collision. Witnesses confirmed the motorcycle would have been visible as she pulled out.
During police interview, Bentley said she knew the road and was not in a hurry. She believed a vehicle waiting to turn right on the main road was allowing her to proceed, and said she did not see the approaching motorcycle.
Sentencing her, magistrates imposed an eight-month prison term, suspended for 18 months. Bentley must also complete 20 days of community rehabilitation activity.
She was disqualified from driving for two years and will be required to pass an extended re-test before returning to the road.
Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the case highlights a recurring danger for motorcyclists.
She said: “This collision occurred when Bentley failed to look properly as she emerged at a junction into the path of an oncoming motorbike.
“Mr Skellett was there to be seen, was riding normally and had no opportunity to avoid the collision.
“Regrettably, we see this situation repeatedly where motorbikes are just not seen. We would remind all road users to ‘Think Bike’. Taking extra care when emerging at junctions can help prevent tragedies like this.”
