Man sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving – Reading

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving.

Lawrence Tozer, aged 26, of no fixed abode, was convicted by unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court on Friday (24/2).

He was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment and banned from driving for four years.

On 23 May 2020, Tozer was riding a Yamaha motorcycle, with excess speed and in an erratic manner on Kings Road.

At the pedestrian crossing of Cemetery Junction, on the A329 Wokingham Road, a collision occurred with a pedestrian.

Brigid Ita Guidera, aged 76, had been attempting to cross the road when she was struck by the motorcycle and sadly died as a result of the collision.

Tozer was found to be travelling in excess of 60mph through the 30mph junction and had cannabis in his blood exceeding the legal limit.

He was also riding on a provisional license but was not display L plates and had no current MOT on the bike.

Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins, of the Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said: ''I would like to thank the jury for their swift decision in this case and the large number of witnesses that provided evidence at court throughout the week.

“I know that no sentence passed will make amends for the tragic loss of Brigid, who was also known as Ita to her family and friends, as she was full of life, fit and healthy.

“I would also like to thank the family for their support throughout our investigation, which I know has been a very difficult time for them.

“Tozer showed no regard for other road users, he recklessly changed lane at the very last second and rode through a busy junction at excessive speed.

“This highlights again the fatal four contributors to deaths on our roads, with excessive speed and drug-driving being significant factors in this case.''

GFL