A WOMAN whose momentary lapse in concentration behind the wheel led to the death of a biker has received a community order.

Chelsea Jones, 29, of Wensleydale Avenue, Eastham, was found guilty of causing the death by careless driving of Kevin Burnell following a trial by jury.

She was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, February 13.

Prosecuting, Sarah Badrawy said the fatal collision happened on the A550 Welsh Road near Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port, at about 1pm on April 2, 2017.

Kevin Burnell had been taking part in the Wirral Egg Run – a charity event which sees thousands of motorcyclists delivering Easter eggs to poorly children, and was riding along the road with a friend.

But, after what Judge Simon Berkson called "a momentary lack of concentration", Jones pulled out of a junction in her Volkswagen Polo without seeing the two approaching bikes coming "at speed".

While Mr Burnell's friend accelerated and was able to swerve around the car, Mr Burnell's Suzuki hit the rear of the VW. He sadly died at the scene.

A police report, read during the trial, said the Suzuki was travelling at a speed between 77mph and 89mph before Mr Burnell applied emergency braking.

Mr Burnell had 52 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system, below the legal limit of 80.

Ms Badrawy read out a victim impact statement from Mr Burnell's sister Gemma, written in November last year.

In it, she said: "When I found out my brother had been in a crash I was extremely worried – when he passed away I was devastated.

"I am making this statement on behalf of my family who have not recovered. The trial has put all our lives on hold.

"Losing my big brother has given me so much heartache. My big brother was a hero to me...for many years we relied on each other.

"Kevin loved his bikes and he loved the charity event – it's now an event held to remember him.

"I'm heartbroken for Kevin, there was so much more he could have achieved. We will all miss that cheeky, mischievous grin."

Defending, Oliver Jarvis said Jones fully accepted the verdict of the jury and was deeply ashamed and remorseful of the fact she was responsible for Mr Burnell's death.

She had previously held a clean driver's licence.

Judge Berkson, sentencing Jones to a 12-month community order with 250 hours unpaid work, said to her: "You were driving with your partner and two young children. Sadly you were not looking properly and failed to see either of the motorcycles.

"You were obviously very upset and it was very evident during the trial you were still affected.

"You work as a nursery nurse and people have given references in your favour.

"This is unusually a case of the lowest bracket [of severity]. Whatever sentence I pass can never replace the loss."

As well as the community order, Jones was banned from driving for 12 months and must take an extended retest.