Birtley man jailed for causing death of Blyth biker on A1

Motorbike-enthusiast John Wood, 62, was returning home from a 15-day holiday riding thousands of miles across France and Spain when Christopher Donnison crashed into him on the A1 on Friday, September 24, 2021.

The father from Blyth was pronounced dead at the scene after Donnison’s Audi A3 hit him near the Denton Burn roundabout at the A69, less than 20 miles from his home.

John Wood. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) 40-year-old Donnison, from Birtley, fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with causing death by careless driving.

He pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court in July, and appearing before the same court for sentence on Thursday (October 31) was jailed for one year and four months.

He was also handed a 12-month driving ban.

The court heard how John loved adventures and was a “hugely active” part of family life, and how his “needless” death had left a “massive hole” in the lives of his loved ones.

Christopher Donnison will spend 16 months behind bars. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) In a statement read to the court, his wife said: “I was numb for the first couple of weeks and I kept thinking this sort of thing just happens to other people, not us. I just kept thinking that he was still on holiday and still imagined that he would come back home soon.

“Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are a struggle without John but I think Father’s Day is the hardest knowing my children can’t see their dad on what was always a special time for them all.

“Now that John is no longer with us, I feel sad everyday. I still feel lonely and empty and that part of me is missing.

“John and I were still very much in love and dedicated to each other and I miss him so much it hurts.”

Speaking after the sentencing Sergeant Dave Roberts, from the Northumbria Police Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is a horrendous collision which tragically resulted in the death of a much-loved father and grandfather.

“Donnison’s actions that evening has had the most devastating of consequences, and all of our thoughts remain with John’s loved ones.

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“John’s death was completely preventable, and this incident shows how the senseless and irresponsible actions of one person can bring total devastation to countless lives.

“Sadly, this latest case shows just how dangerous our roads can be when you fail to pay attention and drive irresponsibly.

“Please treat all road users with respect and due care to prevent others going through this devastating ordeal – no-one should lose their life on our region’s roads.”