Hampshire van driver who killed motorcyclist on A30 jailed

Winchester Crown Court heard how Lee Morris, 46, was driving along the A30 London Road near Blackwater on April 27, 2021, when he pulled out a layby without signalling, blocking both lanes, in an attempt to perform a U-turn. 

As Morris turned in Citroen Berlingo van he was driving, there was a crash between Michael Poulter, from Yateley, who was riding his blue Honda Fireblade motorbike and the van.

Emergency services were called, and they fought to save 58-year-old Mr Poulter’s life, but he suffered “catastrophic injuries” and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The A30 in Hampshire where Morris attempted a U-turn (Image: Google Maps)

Morris was said to have been “absolutely devastated and crying uncontrollably at the scene” following seeing Mr Poulter. He was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Following a six-day trial at the same court in April, Morris, of Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, was convicted and on Friday, June 2, along with a four-year prison sentence he was also disqualified from driving for a period of time. 

The court heard how Mr Poulter’s family have been left devastated by his death.

His wife Shirley said: “Mick was my best friend, we were together for just over 30 years. He was the kindest, most caring person you could ever meet.

“The pain of losing him his beyond words.”

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Mrs Poulter said in her statement that she has moved away from Yateley, adding: “Although we had many happy years there together it is too painful for me.”

Mr Poulter’s son John said in a statement his dad’s “laugh was infectious and his presence was calming”.

Matthew Poulter, Mr Poulter’s son, read his victim impact statement in court saying that his dad was his "hero". 

He said: "The impacts of that day will not just impact but haunt me for the rest of my life."

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In sentencing, Judge Angela Morris said that Morris’s actions were “more than just a momentary lapse in judgement”, saying that he took a “totally unnecessary risk” and his “driving was impulsive to the point of recklessness”.

The judge continued: “You did not signal, and the reality was you were never going to be able to make that U-turn in one continuous manoeuvre. Regrettably, Michael Poulter had no opportunity to take any effective evasive action to avoid a collision despite braking hard and trying to go around you.”

She added: “You knew the A30 well and that just 600 yards further on there was a roundabout which would have allowed you to retrace your steps safely and without causing a hazard to other road users.”