Cirencester man sentenced after fatal Audi and bike crash

Eighty-one-year-old Patrick Kirwin, of Cirencester, was handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for 18 months after causing the death of 53-year-old Tony Stepp. Mr Stepp, from South Cerney, died after his Honda Fireblade was struck by an Audi A4 driven by Kirwin on the A433 Tetbury Road around 9.15am on October 5, 2024. He had been riding with friends--a journey the group had taken together over a 10-year period.

The crash occurred when Kirwin turned right at a junction near The Thames Head Inn towards Kemble, crossing into the path of the oncoming motorcyclists. Despite efforts from members of the public, including an off-duty police officer, Mr Stepp was pronounced dead at the scene. At Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, March 13, Kirwin was sentenced.

In a statement read aloud in court, Mr Stepp's wife, Tina, said: "On the 5 October 2024 mine and my whole family's life was destroyed. "The best part of me died on that day. "Not only have I lost the love of my life and best friend, but everything.

"I can't even begin to put into words the massive void in our lives now." She described her husband as "a loving, kind and thoughtful husband and father, and he would do anything for his family or friends." Sgt Williams, of Gloucestershire[1] Police's Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: "Tony and his friends had been doing everything they could to make themselves as safe as possible.

"The trio were riding in a staggered formation with their lights on in a bid to make themselves more visible.

"This collision was entirely avoidable if more time had been spent looking out for others on the road and I ask motorists to look twice for motorcyclists and cyclists, particularly at junctions."

The court heard Kirwin was of previous good character and had no past driving offences.

References

1. ^ Gloucestershire (www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk)