Havant man sentenced for causing death by careless driving on the A27

Ben Challinor, 34, of Battens Way, joined at the slip road off the Portsbridge Roundabout before he '˜cut up' Mark Copley, who crashed into the central reservation and died in hospital 10 days later.

Challinor was found guilty of death by careless driving in September following a trial and has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended  for 18 months.

He was disqualified from driving for 18 months with a compulsory extended retest.  He must also pay £1,500 costs and carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work.

The incident occurred on April 30 at about midday on the A27 in Portsmouth. The victim, of Cherry Tree Walk, Oakridge, had been driving a black Triumph motorcycle on the Eastbound carriageway.

The prosecution said Challinor had 'cut up' the motorcyclist.

PC Katherine Carr from the Serious Collisions Unit said: '˜This is a tragic case which highlights the important of drivers to be on the alert at all times and to be aware of what is around them '“ particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists. 

'˜This tragedy could have been avoided had the defendant taken the time and care to look properly.'

Judge Timothy Mousley, who sentenced Challinor at Portsmouth Crown Court, said that nobody could be in doubt as to the tragic nature of the case. He said Mr Copley's family were foremost in his thoughts.

He added that Challinor failed to see the motorbike and was not keeping a proper lookout '“ but he accepted that Challinor had genuine remorse.