Resort driver who killed biker in crash spared prison

Ian Joseph Hall, known as Joe, was killed after a car veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with him in Knott End

- by Sean Gleaves

A Blackpool man has been sentenced after a fatal collision in Knott End claimed the life of a "much-loved" motorcyclist.

Ian Joseph Hall, known to family and friends as Joe, was 73 when he was involved in a collision on Lancaster Road on October 25, 2023.

Joe had been riding his Yamaha FZS600 through the village at around 20mph to meet friends for coffee when a silver Vauxhall Corsa - driven by 40-year-old Sola Silas - veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with him.

Joe was taken to Royal Preston Hospital, where he remained in a coma for four days. He died on October 30 from multiple injuries.

Silas, of Palatine Road, Blackpool, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing death by careless driving. He initially pleaded not guilty at Lancaster Magistrates' Court but changed his plea when the case was escalated to Preston Crown Court.