A MAN has been disqualified from driving and was ordered by the courts to pay up more than £2,000, after causing death by careless driving.

The incident took place on November 28, 2019, at around 10am, when James Russell was driving along the A352 between Longburton and Holnest, near Sherborne.

Russell, the driver of a grey Skoda Karoq, was driving down Boys Hill Drove toward the T-junction that meets the A352.

In a report from Dorset Police, it says that before the incident Russell had looked both ways and thought the junction was clear, but as he turned right onto the A352, he saw a motorbike coming from the direction of Sherborne.

The motorbike then crashed with the car.

The rider of the blue Triumph motorcycle, a 47-year-old man from the Sherborne area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Russell sustained minor injuries during the incident and his passenger, a woman aged in her 70s, sustained a fractured sternum.

Heard during a sentencing at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 21, Russell, of Boys Hill in Holnest, was disqualified from driving for three years.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £2,680.

The 78-year-old had pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving during a previous hearing.

Detective Constable Michelle Underwood, of the Dorset Police serious collision investigation team, said: “Our thoughts remain with all of the motorcyclist’s family and friends who have been affected by this tragic collision.

“I hope this case serves as a reminder to all road users to drive carefully and considerately at all times.”

DC Underwood added: “I would like to thank all the members of the public who provided help and assistance at the scene, as well as everyone who has supported and assisted throughout the investigation.”

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