Biker's killer escapes with £500 fine and ban

A VAN DRIVER has escaped jail and instead been handed a one-year ban and a £500 fine, after he was found guilty of causing the death of a motorcyclist on the A16 near Grimsby last year.

Lea Holden, 40, died instantly when his Kawasaki motorcycle collided with a Vauxhall Movano van on May 2 last year. The van driver, Ian Jones, from Haugh, near Alford, admitted careless driving.

The biker's widow, Karen Holden, said she is 'disappointed' at the verdict.

"I can't help but feel let down. How are we supposed to prevent unnecessary deaths on our roads when our own lives seem to be worth so little?"

Since Mr Holden's death a new offence of causing death by careless driving has been introduced which would have seen his killer behind bars.

Jones was also ordered to pay £60 costs and a £15 Government-imposed victims' surcharge.