A driver has admitted causing the death of a biker who was killed in a crash on a busy Port Talbot road. Paul Watkins died in October last year after being hit by a Vauxhall Corsa car being driven by Ralph Thompson on Afan Way near its junction with Seaway Parade.
The 60-year-old grandfather was well known in the local Sandfields community where he was regarded as one of the best motorcycle mechanics around.
On Monday 59-year-old Thompson pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court for the first day of his trial. The defendant's barrister Hywel Davies asked the court for a pre-sentence report on his client and Thompson, of Ynysymaerdy Road, Briton Ferry, was released on bail until April 24. Adjourning the case, judge Christopher Vosper KC told the defendant he should not regard the fact he had been granted bail as an indication of any likely sentence.
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Following Mr Watkins' death his family paid tribute to the father-of-four and lifelong biker, who was born in Neath and grew up in Skewen. They said: "He has been described by friends as being inspirational and a legend, he was the best bike mechanic and friend you could ever wish for. He will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. There are no words to describe the loss our family are currently feeling and dealing with."
Addressing the family of the deceased in the public gallery at the end of Monday's hearing, the judge said he wished to extend the court's sympathy to them and said while the guilty plea could never compensate them for their loss he hoped it had brought them some comfort.
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