Motorist 'erratic' before crash that killed biker

A DRIVER charged with causing death by careless driving was seen to be driving erratically before a crash in which a motorcyclist died.

A witness told Bristol Crown Court Leroy Hawthorne-Brown was overtaking erratically before an incident in which he turned to the right and seemed to clip biker Marcus Wideson in Falcondale Road.

The court heard Mr Wideson, who braked hard, was thrown from his 600cc Honda Hornet and was struck by an oncoming Nissan Micra, suffering multiple fatal injuries.

Hawthorne-Brown, 27, of Victoria Avenue, Redfield, denies causing death by careless driving in November, 2011.

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Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said the fatal crash occurred around 6.30pm at a point shortly before the road widened into two lanes.

He told a jury: "Mr Wideson was to the right of the road.

"As he was getting close to or passing the defendant, the defendant pulled out, which caused Mr Wideson to brake. The bike skidded some distance and fell to its side.

"Mr Wideson was thrown into oncoming traffic and was hit by a car. He died as a result."

The court heard the motorbike was travelling at at least 40mph in the built-up area when it braked, locking up the back wheel and skidding.

When Hawthorne-Brown was arrested the next day he told police he indicated to move right, checked his mirror and blind spot, and was starting to pull out when he saw a bright light appear and he pulled back to his lane. He was wholly unaware of any accident, the court heard.

BMW driver Alex Hill told the jury the motorcyclist went between him and another car at a roundabout, which he thought was "quite dangerous" and made him curse.

He recounted how he spotted a blue Nissan Almera up ahead, pulling out sharply and overtaking cars.

Mr Hill said: "The manoeuvres were brisk and jolted. They weren't like a smooth, controlled manoeuvre. It was erratically done, with high acceleration."

Mr Hill told the jury the Nissan pulled to the right and appeared to clip the motorcyclist, pushing the biker into oncoming traffic.

He said: "The car made him catapult across the road. The rider came off the bike and his helmet came off his head and he went up the hill, back in my direction.

"I don't believe the Almera indicated. The Almera went forward, momentarily paused and then drove off."

The case continues.