Motorist killed teen friend after failing to spot motorcycle approaching - court

Jack Appleby did not see Thatcham biker Thomas Slater (pictured) approaching fast from the rear when he pulled out to overtake another car, Reading Crown Court was told.
The 17-year-old careered into the back of Appleby's Renault Clio and was flung into the road barrier, breaking his neck.
He was declared dead a short time later.
Although Appleby, now aged 18 and of Cromwell Road, Newbury, was given a suspended prison sentence, he will have to live with his actions for the rest of his life, said Judge Angela Morris.
Charles Ward-Jackson, prosecuting, said that both boys were members of Newbury-based motor group The Open Cruise Club and would meet up and drive around the area. Just after 10pm on May 18 last year, the court heard, a five-vehicle convoy was heading from Newbury to Chieveley Service Station.
Appleby was third in the convoy in his Clio and Mr Slater, of Benham Hill, was bringing up the rear on his Yamaha bike when tragedy struck on an unlit stretch of the A339.
Mr Ward-Jackson said that Mr Slater pulled out into the offside lane at 67mph in the 50mph limit, overtaking the two cars ahead of him.
At this point, he added, Appleby also pulled out, ahead of his friend.
Mr Slater braked frantically but struck the back of the Clio.
The court heard that Appleby, who admitted causing death by careless driving, should have spotted Mr Slater in his rearview mirror.
Thomas Allen, defending, described Appleby's actions as a "momentary inattention”, compounded by Mr Slater exceeding the speed limit. Mr Allen said: “He wishes it to be known publicly, in his own words, that he would change it if he could and he is really sorry. He will carry this burden for the rest of his life.”
Sentencing Appleby to 26 weeks jail, suspended for 18 months, Judge Morris said: “Thomas Slater had his whole life ahead of him and he was taken from his family at just 17 years of age in circumstances which serve to emphasis the necessity for care and attention of road users at every point. You will have to live with this for the rest of your life as will Tom Slater’s family.
“I’m in no doubt from everything that I’ve read about you that you are not a young man that these courts will see again.
“I hope that when you are able to drive again you will hereon in be a careful and conscientious driver."
In May, Mr Slater’s friends and family cycled from Thatcham to Paris to help raise £25,000 to build a new bike track and seating area in his memory at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground.