A driver who caused the death of a 75-year-old motorcyclist has been given a six-year prison sentence.
Stuart Lithgow, 43, driving a black Ford Fiesta, initially overtook an Audi near Allonby, heading towards Maryport, on the B5300 just before 4pm on September 11 2022.
The Audi driver later told police the Fiesta was too close behind her vehicle before passing her on a right hand bend with no clear view of the road ahead.
As Lithgow continued to head south, he then overtook a red Panda, colliding with that vehicle before ploughing head-on into an oncoming Kawasaki ZX 600 machine ridden by 75-year-old Raymond Hammil. The Fiesta flipped on to its side.
Mr Hammil was thrown from his machine, which was catapulted on to nearby Maryport Golf Course. A paramedic and two members of the public offered help to the pensioner, who had suffered terrible injuries, including multiple fractures.
Mr Hammil was airlifted to Newcastle where he was transferred between specialist hospitals, underwent emergency surgery but died three days later, on September 14.
After the collision, Lithgow failed a breath test which showed he was more than two-and-a-half times the legal driving limit.
He told police he drank four bottles of lager and a bottle of wine the night before, and pleaded guilty to causing Mr Hammil’s death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit.
Lithgow was sentenced by a judge today, when an impact statement from one of Mr Hammil’s two sons was read in court.
Mr Hammil had worked as a builder and then, later, a wagon driver before retiring around the age of 70. He remained active, was passionate both about motorbikes — having ridden since the age of 17, and his Collie dog.
He had also been part of the fabric of Maryport and Solway Sea Cadet Corps.
“He was a very kind, fun and active man who is very sadly missed by all his friends and family, and certainly by his beloved sea cadets,” said the impact statement.
Kim Whittlestone, defending for Lithgow, of Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth, provided mitigation and said he knew custody beckoned. “He knows he deserves punishment for this offence,” she told the court.
Judge Nicholas Barker, who heard Lithgow had a previous conviction for drink-driving in 2013, imposed the jail term.
Lithgow must serve a six-year driving ban when released from prison, and must take a mandatory retest.
