Driver sentenced for causing motorcyclist's death

An elderly man was sentenced to three years in prison after causing a fatal crash due to a distraction from his dog. Norman McAndrew, 82, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck motorcyclist John Murkin, 66, in Ardleigh, Essex, on October 7, 2023. McAndrew admitted he "lost concentration" when his unrestrained dog jumped onto his lap while he was driving. The court heard that he was on his way to drop the dog off at his sister's house. Instead of securing the pet in a proper restraint, it was lying in the car. Witnesses reported that McAndrew tried to grab the dog while negotiating a bend in the road. This distraction led him to cross into the opposite lane, colliding with Murkin's motorcycle. Prosecutor Matthew Sorel-Cameron stated that Murkin had no chance to avoid the crash, which threw him into a ditch. Murkin was heard asking for help before he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His sister described his death as a devastating shock. She emphasized McAndrew's negligence in not restraining the dog properly. In court, McAndrew expressed remorse for his actions. His lawyer stated that he regretted not pulling over when the dog became a distraction. Judge Mary Loram KC highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting the serious real-life consequences of McAndrew's distraction.