Overtaking driver jailed for killing motorcyclist

A driver who killed a motorcyclist when he performed a "dangerous" overtake has been jailed for more than seven years.

Stephen Jackson, 65, died after he was hit by a Renault Clio Sport driven by Matthew Hull, 22, on the B1222 near Sherburn-in-Elmet on 27 May 2024.

In a police interview, Hull, from Sherburn-in-Elmet, admitted he made a "stupid overtake" which led to the crash. He was sentenced at York Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

In a victim impact statement, Jackson's wife Janet Coster said his death was "impossible to measure" and it had "changed the very essence of who I am and has affected every part of my life".

The statement continued: "The love, guidance, and presence Steve would have continued to give as a husband, father, brother, and grandfather have been taken away forever.

"I live with grief every day and with a future that no longer resembles the one we planned together."

Jackson died at the scene after colliding head on with Hull's Renault Clio, which police said had overtaken on a stretch of road with limited visibility due to a hidden dip and crest.

"Hull's car was entirely in the wrong lane when the collision occurred," a spokesperson said, adding that Jackson had been "riding appropriately and within his lane".

Hull, who admitted to officers that he had become impatient prior to overtaking, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at York Magistrates' Court on 4 March.

TC Gemma Brett, from North Yorkshire Police, said: "This case was a tragic one. Because of an unnecessary, avoidable and dangerous manoeuvre, a man has lost his life.

"That single moment has resulted in profound and long-lasting devastation for Mr Jackson's loved ones."

Hull, of Low Garth Road, was jailed for seven years and four months.

He was also disqualified from driving for a total of seven years and eight months and must take an extended test to regain his licence.

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