Man from Netherton jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

A man from Netherton has been jailed for eight years and eight months for causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving.

Kieran Williams, 24, of Waterside, in Netherton, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced today, Tuesday 28 January, at Liverpool Crown Court.

At around 11.10pm on Wednesday 19 July 2023, emergency services were called to Northern Perimeter Road following a collision involving a red Vauxhall Astra and an orange Honda motorbike.

The motorcyclist, 48-year-old Vincent Lawrence (see picture below), known by his family and friends as Vinny, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Following a lengthy and complex investigation carried out by detectives from our Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit, it was found that Williams had been speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road just prior to the collision.

He had travelled the wrong way around a mini roundabout and pedestrian crossing island just before colliding with Vincent's motorbike.

Vincent, who is from Kirkby, had been riding his vehicle with care and abiding by the rules of the road.

As well as a prison sentence, Williams was also disqualified for five years upon his release and will have to pass an extended driving test prior to driving again.

The Lead Investigating Officer for the investigation, Detective Sergeant Andy Roper said: “Our thoughts today remain very much with Vinny’s family at this difficult time, and we continue to support them. 

“Although no sentencing result can bring him back, we hope that the family can take some small comfort in knowing that the person who caused his death is now in prison.

“My team has worked tirelessly since this incident to ensure that Williams has been brought to justice and that we were able to provide Vinny’s family and close friends with the answers they needed. 

“Merseyside Police will not tolerate drivers who deliberately ignore the rules of the road, and we are committed to the prevention of serious injury and road death, to work towards Vision Zero – our strategy focused on driving down the amount of road traffic collisions in our regions and to lower the number of people killed and seriously injured on our streets.

“However, this is something that we must all do in partnership. Communities can also take a stand and help us to make the roads safer. The vast majority of road users across Merseyside are responsible and law abiding and we know how much you want to help us, so that we can ensure roads and shared spaces are used responsibly and that people abide by the laws we enforce.

“To that end, if you know of drivers who are breaking the law and thus putting others in danger, please tell us, so that we can take swift and robust action to prevent harm.”

You pass information via @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress and it is safe to do so.