A 43-year-old motorcyclist from Tilehurst has been jailed for dangerous driving after a fatal road traffic collision in Bracknell.

The incident occurred on July 20, 2021, on the A332, when the six motorbikes took the junction into Mill Lane towards Wildridings Road.

It was alleged that the group, which had met at a service station earlier that day, had been driving at dangerously high speeds when Ruth Harrison, a woman in her 30’s, lost control of her bike and crossed the central reservation.

Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by oncoming traffic.

Neil Woodliffe, 43, of Berkshire Drive, Tilehurst, who drove alongside the woman, attended Reading Crown Court alongside four others in a two-week trial concluding on Friday, December 8, 2023.

He was found guilty of dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice and sentenced to a total of one year and four months’ imprisonment, eight months for each offense which will run concurrently.

Woodliffe was also disqualified from driving for one year with an eight-month extension and he will be required to take an extended re-test.

Following the incident, police found that three dash cams were removed and concealed before police arrival, with Woodliffe hiding an SD card in a medicine box.

Investigating officer PC James Baker, of the Joint Roads Policing Unit, said: “This conviction demonstrates the seriousness of Woodliffe’s driving, which fell far below that of a competent driver.

“It was clear to see the defendant was willing to take needless risks and in doing so put other road users at risk of serious harm.

“We will not tolerate behaviour such as this on our roads, and will robustly pursue and prosecute those who feel it’s acceptable to disregard the law.”

During the two-week trial, four other motorcyclists were also sentenced due to their involvement during the collision.

Terry Fox, aged 40, of Ermin Walk, Thatcham, and Christopher Burn, aged 31, of Snowdrop Grove, Winnersh were also found guilty of dangerous driving. Fox was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Fox was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for a year, and disqualified from driving for one year. He was also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,500 in costs.

Murdoch and Barry were both sentenced to six points on their driving license. Murdoch was also ordered to pay £900 in fees and costs and Barry was ordered to pay £350.

Burn is due to be sentenced on a date yet to be determined.