A249 Maidstone Road Kent motorcyclist death – Woman jailed

Collette Gibson, 55, was driving along the A249 Maidstone Road near Sittingbourne when she suddenly came to a halt for no apparent reason. A car travelling behind her Vauxhall Zafira, crashed into her vehicle, before a motorcyclist riding behind was unable to avoid the crash and struck the rear of the car. The rider, a man in his 50s, died at the scene.

The incident happened at around 3.20pm on April 23, 2022, as Gibson travelled towards the Key Street roundabout. Witnesses told police there was no obvious reason for her to slow down or stop, prompting an investigation by specialist officers. Gibson, of Lime Close, South Ockendon in Essex, was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

She denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court on March 25. She was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday (May 20). She was also disqualified from driving for four and a half years and must complete an extended re-test before being allowed back behind the wheel.

Detective Constable Sara Capozzi said: "Gibson's actions resulted in a man's death through no fault of his own.

"She has consistently denied the charge as well as refuting the testimony of numerous witnesses, making her victim's family relive this tragic incident in court.

"We are satisfied Gibson will now face the consequence of her actions and we hope this brings some closure to the man's loved ones."