Police release disturbing footage of motorcycle crash

And decide ‘not to focus’ on car driver who caused fatal collision

POLICE have released footage of a fatal motorcycle crash to raise road safety awareness – but do not mention that the motorist who caused the accident admitted careless driving.

A release from Norfolk Police says 38-year-old David Holmes was riding his Yamaha FJR1300 at 97mph in a 60mph zone at the time of the collision, on the A47 at Honingham in June last year.

The force says the Renault Clio driver who pulled across Holmes' path, killing him instantly, admitted not seeing the motorcycle or a car behind it and was prosecuted in April.

However the release does not mention that the male motorist admitted causing death by careless driving and received a 12-month community sentence and an 18-month ban from the roads.

A spokeswoman for the force said the decision was taken ‘not to focus too much on the driver in the press release’ which was issued along with the footage from Holmes' helmet camera.

Subsequent news reports have focused on Holmes' speed rather than the driver’s carelessness. An ITV report does not mention that the driver was at fault.

The Norfolk Police spokeswoman said: ‘It has not been mentioned because as part of the process of putting it together we consulted with the driver’s family. They understand the reasons for releasing it but didn’t want to take any part. They didn’t want to be involved in it. We’re giving the information out on request but we’ve taken a decision not to focus too much on the driver in the press release.’

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing Unit, says in the release: ‘We know from the footage that David was travelling up to 100mph. Regardless of the speed of the bike, the car manoeuvre should not have been attempted. Clearly, he was taking a risk and has paid the ultimate price. The majority of bikers ride responsibly however, I’m sure many will relate to the riding style seen in this video. We know motorcyclists are a vulnerable group and this sad case is a reminder to all roads users to be alert to what is going on around you and to lower your speed.’