A MAN who killed a motorcyclist by driving carelessly on a Dorset road has avoided a prison sentence.

James Russell was handed a three-year driving ban for his part in the fatal two-vehicle crash near Sherborne.

A 47-year-old man from the Sherborne area, who was riding a blue Triumph motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision near the junction of Boys Hill Drove and the A352 between Longburton and Holnest.

Appearing at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 21, Russell, 78 and of Boys Hill, was ordered to pay £2,680 costs after admitting a charge of causing death by careless driving at a previous hearing.

DC Michelle Underwood, of Dorset Police's 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 tragic case serves as a reminder to all road users to drive carefully and considerately at all times.

“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.”

At around 9.55am on Thursday, November 28, 2019, a collision occurred involving a blue Triumph motorcycle and a grey Skoda Karoq near to the Boys Hill Drove junction on the A352 .

Russell, who was the driver of the Skoda, drove down Boys Hill Drove toward the T-junction that meets the A352.

He looked both ways and thought the junction was clear, but as Russell turned right onto the A352 he saw a motorbike coming from the direction of Sherborne and a collision took place

The motorcyclist 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.