Woman sentenced to six years in prison for causing death of motorcyclist
A 28-year-old woman has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a two-vehicle collision near Coningsby.
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
Danielle Barrett, of Steadman Court, Horncastle, was sentenced today at Lincoln Crown Court after a trial into the fatal collision on the B1192 in July 2023.
Fatal collision near Coningsby
The court heard that Barrett was travelling south towards Boston at around 8.25am on 21 July 2023 when the Vauxhall Corsa she was driving overtook a crop sprayer as she approached a left-hand bend.
As she moved into the opposing carriageway, her vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming Ducati motorcycle.
The rider, Jeffrey Scott, 66, died at the scene.
Investigators established that Barrett had crossed into the path of the motorcycle as Mr Scott was coming around the bend in the opposite direction, leaving him no time to react.
The impact threw Mr Scott from his bike. He struck Barrett’s windscreen before landing in a roadside ditch, sustaining fatal injuries.
Investigation findings
An extensive investigation was carried out by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit and the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit.
Technical examinations of both vehicles found no mechanical defects that contributed to the collision.
CCTV footage obtained from a nearby property showed Barrett’s vehicle entering the opposing side of the road moments before the crash.
Investigators also established that at the point she carried out the manoeuvre, Barrett did not have a clear view of the road ahead.
During police interview, Barrett said she knew the road and was looking for an opportunity to overtake the crop sprayer, but denied she was overtaking at that specific moment.
She was charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and was found guilty following trial.
Sentence
In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Barrett was disqualified from driving for seven years and six months. She must also complete an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again.
Detective Sergeant James Perring, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“This collision was solely due to the dangerous driving of Barrett when she moved into the opposing carriageway when she did not have a view of the road ahead."
"Despite her comments in interview, the position of her vehicle, as caught by the CCTV, clearly demonstrated that she was commencing an overtaking manoeuvre."
"Whilst we may get frustrated at having to travel behind slower moving vehicles, her impatience led to a dangerous manoeuvre that has cost Mr Scott his life."
"Just waiting a few seconds more to clear the bend would have provided a view of the road ahead and prevented this unnecessary heartache.”