A MOTORCYCLIST died in a head-on collision after a driver failed to give him right of way, a court has heard.
Robert Cattermole, 20, died after his Yamaha motorbike collided with Gavin Whitlock’s Vauxhall Corsa in London Road, Lexden.
Magistrates heard Whitlock had been planning to turn right into Straight Road having stopped at its junction with London Road.
But Mo Miah, prosecuting, told the bench he made the turn without checking for oncoming traffic.
Mr Miah said as the 25-year-old made the turn, a police report found former Sport Safe employee Mr Cattermole fully applied his brakes but was not able to avoid the collision.
Scene - Mr Cattermole died at the scene on December 15 last year
He died at the scene on December 15 last year.
Mr Miah added: “Mr Whitlock had travelled along London Road in the general direction of Colchester.
“Having arrived at a traffic light junction, his intention was to turn right.
“At the time, travelling in the opposite direction was a Yamaha motorcycle being ridden Robert Cattermole.
“Both lights were displaying green lights, allowing both vehicles to proceed into the junction.
“When Mr Whitlock commenced to turn right, he failed to give way to Mr Cattermole and his motorcycle.”
Mr Miah added: “From the collision report, it appeared Mr Cattermole had to apply full emergency brakes in response to Mr Whitlock’s vehicle turning right across his path.
'Loveable rogue' - Robert Cattermole
“As a result of that, the motorcycle lost its stability and consequently the collision occurred and fatally injured Mr Cattermole.”
A distraught Whitlock appeared in Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with causing death by careless and/or inconsiderate driving.
He was carried to and from the dock by his tearful parents and his solicitor gave the bench an indication of a not guilty plea.
In law, for a driver to be convicted of that charge, which includes turning into the path of another vehicle, it must be shown their actions have fallen below the minimum acceptable standard expected of a competent and careful driver.
Whitlock, of Leconfield Walk, Hornchurch, was ordered to appear at Ipswich Crown Court next month.
He was also released on unconditional bail.
After his death Mr Cattermole was described by his mum, Debbie, as a “loveable rogue” who was “a loving and caring brother, son and grandson”.
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