Tractor driver jailed for eight years over fatal A40 collision

A tractor driver has been jailed for eight years after a motorcyclist was killed in a collision involving an overloaded straw trailer on the A40 in Herefordshire.

Philip Baker, 61, of Wonastow, Monmouth, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial in July.

Dr Steven Lee, 26, died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with Baker’s tractor and trailer near Ganarew, Ross-on-Wye, at about 9.50pm on 11 August 2022.

See also: Road rules reminder: Trailer safety, tractor speed and licences

Baker had been drawing straw from a field and was travelling from Walford towards Monmouth.

Police said the tractor and trailer had several dangerous defects, with the absence of an amber beacon identified as the main causal factor in the collision.

The beacon should have warned other road users of the presence of the slow-moving agricultural vehicle.

Baker was travelling at less than 25mph, while the road has a maximum speed limit of 70mph for most vehicles.

Officers also found that the trailer was overloaded with straw bales and its brakes were not working or connected to the tractor cab.

The hydraulic line was poorly maintained and the lighting cable was secured with baler twine.

Baker was also disqualified from driving for nine years.

Police sergeant Michael Straughan, road death lead investigator with West Mercia Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the condition of the tractor and trailer, “crucially” including the missing amber beacon, had contributed to the fatal collision.

Loving son

Dr Lee’s family described him as a loving son, adored brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and great friend.

An accomplished pianist and qualified piano teacher, Dr Lee had also served with the Air Training Corps, becoming a pilot officer.

He studied biology and human immunology before undertaking a medical degree at Swansea University.

The university has since posthumously awarded him a doctorate, which his family accepted on his behalf.

His family and friends have also established the Dr Steven Lee Foundation, which aims to reduce motorcycle fatalities by supporting new riders with advanced training and road-safety initiatives.