Teacher caused tragic death of 'much-loved' dad by driving 'right into his path'

SHE GAVE HIM NO CHANCE OF AVOIDING CRASH

- By MARK NAYLOR

AN assistant head teacher caused the death of a “much-loved” motorcyclist after she “drove right into his path” while making a right-hand turn at a busy junction - giving him no chance at all of avoiding a crash.

Though the traffic lights on her side of the road were on green, Kelly Goucher was supposed to give way to oncoming traffic before starting the right turn at the junction as the filter arrow was not on. She started to turn in front of the motorcyclist, leading to a horrific collision.

The tragic death of the popular father-of-four was “devastating” for his wife and children and the family had been left “heartbroken” by his loss, Hull Crown Court heard.

Goucher, 41, of Hedon, denied causing the death of Damien McDonald by careless driving on February 3, 2023, but she was convicted by a jury of six men and six women by a majority of 10 to two after more than four hours and 20 minutes of deliberations.

David Godfrey, prosecuting, said that Mr McDonald, 30, was riding his grey Yamaha MT 125cc motorcycle on Spring Bank West, Hull, eastbound towards the city centre at about 7.10pm. The traffic lights were on green as he approached a junction.