A DRIVER in her 70s has been banned from the road after causing the death of a motorcyclist who was out on her bike with friends. 

Margaret Blake, of Fovant, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court last week and was found guilty by a jury of causing death by careless driving.

On March 21, 2020, the 74-year-old was driving a Volkswagen Golf as she left the Ansty Farm Shop, and pulled out into the path of a motorcyclist.

The motorcyclist, Gillian Watts, 38, from Southampton, who was riding with two friends at the time and was travelling in the middle of the group of three, died at the scene. 

Salisbury Journal: Wiltshire PoliceWiltshire Police (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Gillian Watts Picture: Wiltshire Police 

Blake was given a two year free standing community order, disqualified from driving for two years with an extended re-test and fined £1,000.

Detective Constable Rachel Catling, of the serious collision investigation team, said: “Blake had sufficient time to see and react to the presence of the motorbike and avoid the collision, however, she failed to ensure the road was clear before turning right onto the A30, and tragically collided with the motorcyclist.

“This was a tragic loss of life – Gillian was just 38-years-old when she lost her life while out on her bike with friends.

"Her family have been devastated by her death and in a victim impact statement, her mother described how every morning she wakes up struggling to understand how the family will live with the pain of her daughter’s passing every day. She described Gillian as a gentle soul who gave so much to her friends and family Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”