Biker to face trial over fatal crash

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A MOTORCYCLIST is to stand trial over the death of a Redditch woman who was on the back of his machine when it was involved in a collision.

Almost a year after the fatal crash on the A435 near Mappleborough Green, bike rider Shaun Southgate appeared at Warwick Crown Court. He pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Amanda Wilson on March 31 last year by riding his Triumph Trophy motorcycle on the A435 carelessly.

The charge follows a collision between the Triumph and a Renault Clio at about 9.30pm as both vehicles were travelling south towards Mappleborough Green.

He and his pillion passenger Miss Wilson, who was in her 30s and from Redditch, were both rushed to hospital where she died from her injuries in the early hours of the following morning.

Toby Long, defending, said it was accepted Southgate, of Valley Road in Wakefield, was driving the motorbike and there was a crash.

Recorder William Mousley QC said the issue in the case ‘appears to be that the driving does not fall below that of a careful and competent driver.’

Mr Long said it was possible the prosecution would be calling an expert in the trial and added the defence would also be ‘reliant to the same extent’ on an expert’s opinion because Southgate himself suffered serious injuries in the crash and his recollection of events of that day was ‘not particularly good.’

The 44-year-old has also denied making a false statement to obtain insurance for the motorbike.

It is alleged he had declared he had no convictions - but Mr Long said Southgate’s case was that it was a renewal and that he had made a disclosure on his original application.

The case was adjourned for trial in September and Southgate was granted bail.

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