Woman denies causing death of East Malling biker after crash on A249 near Sittingbourne

A woman has denied causing the death of a motorcyclist in a three-vehicle collision on the A249.

Collette Gibson was at the wheel of a Vauxhall Zafira when the fatal incident occurred on the Sheppey-bound carriageway near Sittingbourne^[1] on April 23, 2022.

Paul Wright, 51, died while riding his Harley Davidson bike along the A249 near Sittingbourne. Picture: Facebook

The biker, Paul Wright, 51 and from East Malling^[2], was riding a Harley Davidson which struck the rear of a BMW also involved in the collision at about 3.20pm.

Paramedics and the air ambulance attended but he sadly died at the scene.

The married biker, who lived in Catlyn Close, was later described in online tributes as a “true gentleman”^[3].

Gibson, 53, of Lime Close, South Ockendon in Essex, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (March 18) where she pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. At times she could be seen crying as she sat in the dock.

But she was told by Judge Julian Smith that her trial, which is expected to last five to seven days, will not start until March 16, 2026.

Paul Wright, from East Malling, was described as a "true gentleman" by friends. Picture: Facebook

She was released on bail until a pre-trial review hearing on January 16 that same year.

Following the tragedy, speaking about Mr Wright, friend Jeremy Crease said: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of a true gentleman, he passed doing something he loved."

Niece Tiarra Hanagan said she was heartbroken in an online tribute, adding: "Rest in paradise, you will be missed so much."

Mr Wright's nephew Liam Hanagan described Mr Wright as a "class bloke gone too early" and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

References

1. ^{^} Sittingbourne (www.kentonline.co.uk)
2. ^{^} East Malling (www.kentonline.co.uk)
3. ^{^} online tributes as a “true gentleman” (www.kentonline.co.uk)