Life ban for death crash driver

An epilepsy sufferer who admitted causing the death of a motorcyclist by careless driving has been disqualified from driving for life.

Steve Gibbons, 37, was on his way home after spending an evening with friends when he died in the crash in June 2006.

Colin Armitage, 48, of Binbrook, near Market Rasen, admitted committing the offence on the A631 at Willingham Wood after suffering a seizure at the wheel.

He had twice previously been prevented from driving due to his illness.

Lincoln Crown Court heard he was given his licence back just eight months before the crash which killed Mr Gibbons and seriously injured his wife Louise, who was the pillion passenger.

Difficult case

Judge John Milmo QC said he was concerned that Armitage was allowed to drive again after two previous seizures while behind the wheel of his car.

He described it as one of the most difficult cases that he had ever had to deal with."

Michael Fowler, prosecuting, said that Armitage lost control of his Citroen Xantia and went on the wrong side of the road.

He struck another motorcyclist, knocking the pillion passenger off the machine and then collided head-on with Mr Gibbons' Kawasaki motorbike.

Armitage suffered brain damage in the crash and spent six weeks in hospital. It was 10 months before he was fit enough to be interviewed.

The judge said: "I am aware that as far as the family of Mr Gibbons are concerned they may well take the view that the sentence is inappropriate."

He added that it was the least unsatisfactory sentence he could impose.

Armitage was banned from driving for life and given a two-year conditional discharge.