A driver's "momentary lapse of concentration" at a roundabout caused the death of a much-loved biker, a court has heard. Motorist Ralph Thompson changed lanes as he exited a roundabout and collided with the bike which was passing him, sending the bike and its rider flying the air and into a metal pole and roadside signs. Despite the best efforts of people at the scene – including a passing off-duty police officer who administered first aid – biker Paul Watkins could not be saved.
At Swansea Crown Court Mr Watkins' widow described him as the "missing piece in the family jigsaw" which meant the jigsaw would never be complete again. Royal Mail worker Thompson had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.
Peter Donnison, prosecuting, told the court that the fatal collision happened on the afternoon of October 1, 2021, at a roundabout on Seaway Parade in Baglan, Port Talbot. He said weather conditions were clear and sunny at the time and there was a normal level of traffic in the area. The barrister said at around 4.45pm the defendant in his Vauxhall Corsa entered the roundabout in the left lane intending to take the first exit. Travelling in the same direction was Mr Watkins on his Suzuki 750 motorbike. Mr Watkins was travelling faster than Thompson and was also intending to take the first exit and he was effectively overtaking the defendant. The court heard that as the driver exited the roundabout he moved into the right lane "without warning or indication" and collided with the bike, projecting it and its rider through the air and into a post and signs on the central reservation. Mr Watkins fell to the floor and his bike landed on top of him.
