Motorcycle rider who ran red light and fatally collided with pedestrian jailed

A Swindon man has been jailed for more than eight years after speeding through a red traffic light and colliding with a pedestrian, causing fatal injuries.

On January 31, 2022, Darren Roberts, 22, of Redhouse Way, was travelling along Drakes Way on a Yamaha XJ600 at almost twice the 40mph speed limit when he rode through a red traffic light.

He collided with pedestrian Neil Sharp, 38, on the crossing, who sadly died at the scene.

An investigation found that the bike Roberts was riding was in a dangerous condition, with significant wear on the tyres which were also severely underinflated. He also had no insurance or the correct licence to ride the bike.

He was also found in possession of class A drugs at the scene.

Roberts pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and in a hearing at Swindon Crown Court today (06/05) 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. A two-month sentence for common assault will run concurrently.

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.”