Jarrow motorist responsible for 32-year-old motorcyclist Michael Crooks' death in Billingham Christmas Day collision is sentenced at Teesside Crown Court

Driver Susan Gourley, 54, was on her way home from work on December 25 in 2020 when she collided with 32-year-old Michael Crooks on Belasis Avenue, in Billingham.

She was found guilty of causing Mr Crooks’ death by careless driving after a trial at Teesside Crown Court last year.

At a sentencing hearing on Friday, February 10, the court heard Gourley was responsible because she was aware of the motorcycle in the distance as she approached the T junction from a country lane.

It was said Mr Crooks was travelling for periods at speeds of up to or over 115mph and appeared to Gourley to be zig-zagging in the road.

But because she failed to give way at the junction it meant the collision was “inevitable” said the judge.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “You denied yourself the opportunity to check properly and you denied yourself and Mr Crooks any chance of avoiding this collision.”

He expressed his sympathy to Mr Crooks’ family, describing the case as “a tragedy” for all involved.

Mr Crooks was described by his family as their “gentle giant”, was very family focused and will never be forgotten.

Gourley, of Ellison Street, Jarrow, received an eight-month sentence, which was suspended for two years, and was also disqualified from driving for three years.

The court heard she had no previous convictions or any history of bad driving and was genuinely remorseful.