Rutland Woman Sentenced Following Fatal Collision Near Carlby
A Greetham woman has received a suspended prison sentence following a fatal road traffic collision that claimed the life of a 61-year-old motorcyclist last year.
Lucy Bentley, of Begy Gardens, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court yesterday for sentencing after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.
The court heard that shortly after midday on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Bentley was traveling east on Elm Avenue, heading from Witham on the Hill toward the junction with the A6121. Her intention was to proceed straight across the crossroads toward Manthorpe.
At the same time, Gary Skellett, 61, was riding his Suzuki GSF Bandit motorcycle southbound on the A6121 toward Carlby.
Evidence presented in court detailed that Bentley reached the junction and came to a halt at the give-way line. However, she then pulled out into the path of Mr. Skellett. Investigations revealed she had failed to see him approaching, despite Mr. Skellett being the second of two motorcycles noted by witnesses in the area at the time.
Tragically, Mr. Skellett sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following what was described as an "extensive investigation" by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious and Forensic Collision Investigation Units, Bentley was charged with a single count of causing death by careless driving.
Presiding over the case, the court handed down the following sentence:
Imprisonment: Eight months, suspended for 18 months.
Rehabilitation: 20 days of mandatory community rehabilitation activities.
Driving Ban: A total disqualification from driving for two years.
Requirements: Bentley must complete an extended re-test before she is permitted to hold a driver's license again in the future.
"This case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that a momentary lapse in concentration at a junction can have on families and the local community," noted investigators following the proceedings.
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