A WOMAN who caused the death of young Winsford man Ashley O’Dowd by careless driving, has avoided a jail sentence.

Catherine Routhwaite, 65, was found guilty at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 13, in relation to the fatal collision on the A54 on November 7, 2016.

Routhwaite, of Willow Hayes, Aston Hayes, was sentenced to 150 hours community service, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs.

The collision took place when a blue Hyundai Coupe, driven by Routhwaite, collided with a red Aprilia motorbike, which was travelling towards Northwich.

The rider of the motorbike, 21-year-old Ashley O’Dowd from Winsford, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

An investigation by Cheshire’s Roads Policing Team revealed that Routhwaite had not seen the motorbike when she was turning off Kelsall Road onto Ashton Lane. As a result her car crossed the path of the motorcyclist and the two vehicles collided.

PC Geraint Williams, a roads policing investigator, said: “This was a heart-breaking incident which has resulted in a young man having his life tragically cut short. Ashley’s family have been deeply affected by his death and their lives will never be the same again.

“I would also like to thank all of the witnesses involved in the case – especially those who stopped at the scene and attempted to help Ashley following the collision.”

In a statement issued following the conviction, Ashley's family say they feel 'let down' by the sentencing.

The statement said: “We feel let down by the sentencing of Routhwaite. She had the opportunity to enter a guilty plea at the start of this matter. She has put us through 15 months of hell and a trial while trying to cope with the loss of our son.

“During this trial Ashley should have been celebrating his 23rd birthday. She was clearly responsible for her actions and Ashley’s death. Our lives will never be the same again. Ashley was a unique young man who was loved dearly by everyone.”