A TEENAGER from Neston has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a motorcyclist by careless driving.

Ellen Glendinning, 19, of Neston Road, Burton, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Kevin Jackson, 42, on July 3 last year.

At Chester Crown Court yesterday (Monday, September 24) she received a community order with a provision for offender rehabilitation and a one year driving ban.

Mr Jackson had been riding his Yamaha motorcycle on the A450 Parkgate Road, in Mollington, at around 7pm when he collided with a dark grey Vauxhall Corsa driven by Glendinning.

The car was stationary on the road after coming to a sudden and unexpected stop as Kevin was riding round a bend.

Kevin, from Upton, Chester, was left with insufficient time to avoid the collision. He was taken by an ambulance to Countess of Chester Hospital, but died from his injuries soon after the accident.

Following the accident Kevin’s widow, Helen Jackson, 49, spoke of her relief at the guilty plea.

Helen, who was married to Kevin for eight years prior to the accident, said: “Kevin’s death absolutely devastated the family. Both Jodie, Kevin’s stepdaughter, and I still have not come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us.

“He was a pivotal member of the family, who was much-loved and well-respected in the community.

“In a way, the guilty plea brings with it the relief that we will not have to go through a trial, but the hard truth is that nothing will ever bring Kevin back and that is just heart-breaking.”

Kevin, who had been an engineer at Unilever for 18 years, had recently begun a new career as a self-employed kitchen-fitter.

Sarah Adams, the fatal accidents specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Helen, said: “This is an incredibly sad example of the fatal consequences of careless driving, as well as highlighting the pain caused for those who have lost a loved one.

“We welcome the defendant’s guilty plea, sparing the family the pain of a trial.

“Kevin’s death highlights the need for other drivers to take note and be more responsible when on the road. Nothing is more important than your own safety and the safety of others on the roads.

“We will continue to support Helen and Jodie, to ensure they receive the support they need in this difficult time.”