Bere Regis: Man sentenced over 'concentration lapse' fatal crash

A driver whose "lapse of concentration" caused a fatal crash has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Michael Stewart, 51, of Millfield in Poole, crashed his car into a Suzuki with two women inside along Rye Hill in Bere Regis in September 2022.

The 62-year-old passenger of the Suzuki died at the scene, while the driver, a woman in her 30s, sustained life threatening injuries. Both were from Weymouth.

Stewart pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving. He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday to 38 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to serve 250 hours of community service and disqualified from driving for two years.

A statement from Dorset Police said officers were called to Rye Hill on 18 September 2022 at about17:00 BST.

They received reports of a crash involving a Mazda MX5, a Ford C Max, a Honda Civic, a Vauxhall Corsa and a Suzuki Ignis.

Police said the Honda, Vauxhall, Ford and Mazda were travelling towards Bere Regis when the Honda stopped to turn right into Warren Road.

The Vauxhall and Ford stopped behind it but the Mazda, driven by Stewart, failed to stop and struck the Ford.

The Mazda then went into the opposite carriageway and collided with the oncoming Suzuki Ignis.

PC Leanne Howes said: "This collision demonstrates to all drivers the tragic consequences that can occur when a motorist fails to demonstrate due care and consideration from a lapse of concentration.

"Our thoughts are very much with the family of the woman who sadly died as a result of this collision, as well as the woman who sustained life-changing injuries as a result.

"We have carried out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened so that the judicial process could be followed."

Stewart had been found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.