A 19 year old Tolleshunt Major youth who caused the death of a 60 year old motorcyclist has been spared jail and instead been made subject of a community order.
Joshua Bolding, of Bonds, Tolleshunt D'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to causing the death of Michael Marshall in Burnham Road, Latchington, on 28 June last year by inconsiderate driving.
The court was told that at the time of the crash Bolding was looking for a friend's address and was using SatNav.
Mr Marshall, of Fambridge Road, Maldon, who was riding a blue Honda CBR motorbike was certified dead at the scene.
Imposing a two year community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a three year driving ban, Judge Charles Gratwicke said: "This was a terrible tragedy caused by you. I accept this was caused by your momentary inattention as you sought to find an address you were looking for.
"You've shown genuine remorse and you're a hardworking and decent young man and its had a profound effect on you. I have little doubt the consequences of what you've done will be with you for a long time."
However, he said: "The effect on you is nothing like the effect on the Marshall family and the consequences of what you did will remain with others far longer.
"A wife lost a beloved husband and children a much loved father. They have been left with an unfillable void. There is a sense of outrage shared by the wider public which feels anxiety about the loss of life which features in cases like this."
Prosecutor Richard Stevens said: "Bolding was looking for a friend's house and was relying on SatNav.
"He had indicated turning and cancelled that once and a second time before turning the third time. It was momentary inattention."
Emma Davenport, mitigating, said: "He was looking for an address and was unfamiliar with the road. He expresses remorse and he's concerned for the family of Mr Marshall."