A 27-year-old motorcyclist has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving.
Andy Gilchrist, from Sittingbourne, was riding his motorcycle on the A262 Tenterden Road in Biddenden on Sunday, September 18, 2022, when he collided with 72-year-old Christopher Smith, who was crossing the road after disembarking a bus.
Investigations revealed that Gilchrist was travelling in excess of the 50mph speed limit, clocking over 60mph at the point of impact. Witnesses also reported seeing Gilchrist overtake two vehicles at an estimated 75 to 78mph in the same zone shortly before the collision.
The victim sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A passenger on Gilchrist’s motorcycle suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital.
Gilchrist appeared at Maidstone Crown Court last Thursday, May 8, 2025, where he was convicted of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. In addition to the 18-month custodial sentence, he received an 18-month driving disqualification.
Detective Constable David Holmes, of Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
‘This was a deeply tragic incident that led to the loss of a life, and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family.
‘The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of what happened and showcases the lasting impact that poor decisions on the road can have.’