A woman in her 70s has been sentenced for causing death by careless driving.
Margaret Blake, 74, of Fovant, was driving a Volkswagen Golf as she left the Ansty Farm Shop on 21st March 2020 and pulled out into the path of a motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist, Gillian Watts, 38, from Southampton, tragically died at the scene. She was riding with two friends at the time and was travelling in the middle of a group of three.
Last week, Blake appeared at Salisbury Crown Court and a jury found her guilty of causing death by careless driving.
She was given a two-year free-standing community order, disqualified from driving for two years with an extended re-test and fined £1,000.
Det Con 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.”
For the latest local news in Salisbury like Love Salisbury on Facebook or tune into Salisbury Radio on DAB or online.
Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support
Longleat closed today due to bad weather
Salisbury MP visits local primary school
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend
