A farmer has been jailed after a young doctor was killed in a crash with his dangerously defective tractor and trailer – which had a lights cable held on with baler twine.
Philip Baker, 61, was travelling at less than 25mph on a road with a 70mph limit when motorcyclist Steven Lee crashed into the back of his trailer.
The 26-year-old suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
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A court heard Baker’s tractor and trailer had a string of dangerous defects, including no amber warning beacon to alert motorists to the slow-moving vehicle.
The trailer’s brakes did not work and were not connected to the tractor cab, while its hydraulic line was poorly maintained.
It was also overloaded with straw bales, and the lights cable had been secured using baler twine, as reported by Need To Know.
West Mercia Police said the missing amber beacon was identified by its Serious Collision Investigation Unit as the main causal factor in Steven’s death.
Baker, of Wonastow, Monmouthshire, had been transporting straw from a field and was travelling from Walford towards Monmouth when tragedy struck.
Steven was riding his motorbike along the A40 near Ganarew, Ross-on-Wye, at around 9:50 pm on 11 August 2022.
Police said several witnesses confirmed the tractor and trailer were not displaying the required amber warning light.
Officers said this meant Steven was not properly alerted to the vehicle’s presence or its significantly slower speed as he approached on his motorbike.
Baker was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial at Worcester Crown Court in July.
He returned to the same court on Tuesday (22 Sep), where he was jailed for eight years.
Baker was also banned from driving for nine years.
Police Sergeant Michael Straughan, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are pleased to get this sentence for Baker, whose tractor and trailer were not only in a poor condition but crucially were also not displaying the amber hazard beacon.
“The lack of that beacon meant Steven was not properly alerted to its presence on the road, nor able to judge its speed properly, which would have been less than 25mph on a road which has a maximum of 70mph for most road users.
“This neglect resulted in the fatal collision and the needless loss of life.”
Steven was studying medicine at Swansea University when he died and was later awarded his doctorate posthumously in recognition of his work and potential.
He had previously completed a biology degree and a master’s in Human Immunology before pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.
His devastated family described him as a “loving son, adored little brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and a great friend”.
They said: “Steven’s life was lived to the absolute fullest, and he achieved so much in the time he had.
“He was able to help, support and contribute to the lives of so many people and did not hesitate to do so.
“We remember him as a loving son, adored little brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and a great friend. He will always be missed.”
Steven was also an accomplished pianist who had qualified as a piano teacher and had a passion for flying.
He joined the Air Training Corps aged 13 before later gaining the Queen’s Commission and becoming a pilot officer.
His brother Danny Sargeant said the family had endured an “incredibly painful” four-year wait for justice.
He said they were particularly pleased the court had made clear Steven was not to blame for the collision.
Danny said: “People often hear about accidents involving a motorbike and assume the rider or the motorbike was to blame.
“This was certainly not the case here.”
Steven’s family has since launched the Dr Steven Lee Foundation in his memory, which aims to reduce motorcycle deaths by supporting new riders and improving road safety.
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