A drug dealing biker who killed a pedestrian in a crash in Swindon has been jailed.
22-year-old Darren Roberts was riding a Yamaha XJ600 at around 80mph along Drakes Way when he skipped a red light and struck a man on the crossing.
The victim, 38-year-old Neil Sharp, suffered significant wounds and died at the scene.
Police investigating the fatal incident, which happened on 31 January 2022, found that Roberts’ bike was in a dangerous condition – with significant wear on the tyres which were also severely under-inflated.
The defendant, who was 19 at the time of the collision, was also found in possession of Class A drugs.
Roberts, of Redhouse Way, Swindon, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and in a hearing at Swindon Crown Court today (Tuesday) he was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment.
He received a further 18 months for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, giving a total sentence of eight-years-and-four-months.
Investigating officer PC Charlotte Sartin said: “Roberts has shown no remorse for his actions that night and instead looked to blame Neil for the collision.
“Today, he has been sentenced to more than eight years’ imprisonment.
“Our thoughts remain with Neil’s family, as they have been during this lengthy investigation.
“We are committed to reducing collisions in Wiltshire and clamping down on the Fatal Five offences – the five driving offences most likely to lead to a fatal or serious injury collision.
“These are speeding, drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone while driving, driving without a seat belt and driving carelessly/dangerously.”
