A BIKER has been spared prison for causing the death of an elderly woman as she tried to cross the road has been spared prison.

David Marriner, 41, of Frederick Street, South Hetton, accidentally struck Mary Gray at South Hetton Road, Easington Lane, on May 20 last year.

The court heard the accident happened outside her son Jack’s home and he stayed with his injured mother until paramedics arrived.

Marriner had been riding with his partner as a pillion passenger and both were thrown from the bike following the crash.

The 76-year-old victim was airlifted to hospital in Middlesbrough, but died a week later as a result of injuries suffered during the collision with the Honda bike.

Marriner previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Newcastle Crown Court where he was sentenced today (Friday, October 9).

Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said: “The victim in the case had been to pick up partner in her blue Toyota Aygo. He is also 76 and is registered blind. They were on their way to Peterlee to attend a bingo session. She had to stop on the way to pick up something for her son’s dog.

“It was as she crossed the road to her son’s address that she was struck by the motorcycle.”

An original, more serious, charge of causing death by dangerous driving was dropped at an earlier hearing.

Peter Walsh, mitigating, said: “He did not give himself enough time to deal with this situation in the correct time. That is what he has done wrong. Remorse has been noticed by his friends and family.”

Mrs Gray’s daughter made a statement about the devastating impact the incident had had on her family.

She said: “It made my world stop and has changed my life forever. The nightmare and anguish has been compounded by the length of the court process, which is alien to us.”

Judge Paul Sloan, Recorder, of Newcastle, sentenced Marriner to a one year community order with 210 hours unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for a year and ordered to costs of £2,000 in the next 12 months.

The judge said: “Mrs Gray was visible ahead waiting to cross the road. She was there to be seen. She had the appearance of an elderly lady. You should have been aware of her presence.”