A NURSE whose careless driving caused a crash that killed a motorcyclist has avoided prison.

Penelope Frith, 50, was driving home from work at about 7.30pm on November 3, 2016 when she pulled out of a junction on the A36 at Whiteparish, into the path of a motorbike.

The bike, being driven by Emma-Louise Johns, was unable to stop and crashed into the side of the car.

A collision investigator said Ms Johns had been on her way to work, and that another vehicle that pulled out in front of Frith must have blocked her view of the oncoming bike.

Prosecuting, James Burnham told Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday that when Frith pulled out, a collision with Ms Johns was "inevitable", given the distance between the two vehicles.

Ms Johns applied her brakes, but slid along the ground before crashing into Frith's vehicle, with enough force to rotate it 110 degrees.

Mr Burnham said there was very little time or distance for Ms Johns to stop, or take any evasive action.

Defending, Andrew Nuttall said Frith offered her deepest condolences and regret over what happened.

He said Frith told police she had seen the motorbike, but made a misjudgement of the speed and distance.

Mr Nuttall said Frith has made the same trip every day for seven years and was "appalled" by the incident.

He said: "She will have to live with this for the rest of her life.

"The fact she is going to bear this until death is punishment enough."

The court also heard how Frith, of Lower Road, Charlton All Saints, was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after the crash.

Frith admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Magistrate Simon Browning disqualified her from driving for 12 months, the shortest ban allowed by law.

He also ordered her to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment.