One biker dead and another jailed after ‘racing’ at ‘crazy’ speeds and …
Aaron Barrett has been jailed for dangerous driving following the death of Luke Batchelor (Image: Sussex News and Pictures/Sussex Police) A motorcyclist involved in an incident that saw another rider die after colliding with a car as they "raced" each other at "crazy" speeds has been jailed. Aaron Barrett reached dangerously high speeds through Fox Way, Portslade, in April last year.
Witnesses saw the 32-year-old riding alongside another motorcycle rider, and the two men appeared to be "racing" each other. One witness said: "It was crazy how fast they were going." The other rider, 33-year-old Luke Batchelor from Southwick, collided with an oncoming vehicle[1] and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Argus: Luke Batchelor died in the crash in Portslade
Luke Batchelor died in the crash in Portslade (Image: Luke Batchelor) Barrett was himself seriously injured and was arrested in hospital. He was disqualified at the time of the incident and told officers while under caution that he may have reached 80mph in the 30mph zone.
Get more stories delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our morning newsletter[2] At Lewes Crown Court he has now admitted a charge of dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 22 months in prison and was further disqualified for four years and eight months.
The Argus: Aaron Barrett has been jailed for dangerous driving
Aaron Barrett has been jailed for dangerous driving (Image: Sussex Police) The court was told about how the incident unfolded on April 16 at about 4.30pm. Witnesses described hearing the loud noise of motorcycles revving, and then a loud bang.
The two motorcycle riders were seen "down low, in a racing position". One witness said Barrett's riding "showed no consideration for anyone else, and no consideration that other people could be using the road". Barrett, formerly of North Road, Brighton[3], was still disqualified after offences committed on October 20, 2020.
The Argus: The scene in Portslade following the crash
The scene in Portslade following the crash (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) A blood test showed he was also over the limit for cannabis in his system. He tested positive for 3 microgrammes (mcg) of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (the chemical breakdown of the class B drug) per litre of his blood.
The legal limit is 2mcg per litre of blood. Story continues A separate inquest hearing will be held in connection with the death of Mr Batchelor, it is listed to take place in June.
Sussex Police said it is sharing the news of the court result to highlight that a dangerous driver has now been taken off the streets and roads. A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The case also shows the importance of road safety to keep everyone safe on our roads." Luke's partner, Megan Gale, posted an emotional statement on Facebook paying tribute to him following his death last year.
She said: "Luke Batchelor was irreplaceable and very loved by me and our kids - not biological, but every other sense, they were his. "Words will never describe the pain we are feeling, alongside his mum, family members and friends." Megan's sister Siobhan Gale also paid tribute.
"RIP Luke.
We as a family were already broken beyond repair," she said.
"You will definitely leave a huge hole that cannot be filled."
References
- ^ 33-year-old Luke Batchelor from Southwick, collided with an oncoming vehicle (www.theargus.co.uk)
- ^ signing up to our morning newsletter (www.theargus.co.uk)
- ^ Brighton (www.theargus.co.uk)