Family of motorcyclist killed in Kelsall crash 'let down' by justice system

Catherine Routhwaite, 65, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 13 in relation to the fatal collision which claimed the life of Ashley O'Dowd. 

Routhwaite, of Willow Hayes, Aston Hayes, was sentenced to 150 hours community service, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs.

In 2016, a blue Hyundai Coupe driven by Routhwaite collided with a red Aprilia motorbike ridden by Ashley O'Dowd, who was travelling on the A54 towards Northwich. Mr O'Dowd, who was 21 at the time, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Following the conviction, Mr Dowd's family issued a statement which read: “We feel let down by the sentencing of Routhwaite.

"She had the opportunity to enter a guilty plea at the start of this matter. She has put us through 15 months of hell and a trial while trying to cope with the loss of our son.

“During this trial Ashley should have been celebrating his 23rd birthday. She was clearly responsible for her actions and Ashley’s death. Our lives will never be the same again. Ashley was a unique young man who was loved dearly by everyone.”

The collision took place shortly after 6pm on Monday, November 7, 2016.

An investigation by Cheshire’s Roads Policing Team revealed that Routhwaite had not seen the motorbike when she was turning off Kelsall Road on to Ashton Lane. As a result her car crossed the path of the motorcyclist and the two vehicles collided.

PC Geraint Williams, a roads policing investigator, said: “This was a heart-breaking incident which has resulted in a young man having his life tragically cut short. Ashley’s family have been deeply affected by his death and their lives will never be the same again.

“I would also like to thank all of the witnesses involved in the case – especially those who stopped at the scene and attempted to help Ashley following the collision.”