Postman kills 'loving' dad in crash leaving grieving widow 'existing not living'

29 April 2023 , 16:14

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Paul Watkins' family say their lives are a "living nightmare" following his death (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)

A "much-loved" dad and grandfather has passed away after being knocked off his motorbike by a postman.

Paul Watkins, 60, was driving through Porth Talbot, South Wales, on his Suzuki 750 motorbike, when he was hit by Ralph Thompson's Vauxhall Corsa.

The Royal Mail worker was changing lanes as he exited a roundabout, when he sent Mr Watkins flying through the air, and into a metal pole and roadside signs.

Prosecutor Peter Donnison said: "[Thompson] moved into the right lane without warning or indication and collided with the bike, projecting it and its rider through the air."

A trained first-aider and an off-duty police officer battled to save Mr Watkins but he died at the scene.

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His widow, Suzanne, described him as the "missing piece in the family jigsaw" which would now never be "complete" again.

She added that Mr Watkins' death had "turned their happy home into a living nightmare".

Meanwhile, in a victim impact statement from Mr Watkins' daughter, Rebecca Williams, lamented how the family were denied the chance to tell her "kind, caring, loving, hardworking" father how much they loved him for one last time.

Ms Williams also described her father as a "family man" and said that in the 18 months since his death she had been "existing not living"

Thompson, of Briton Ferry, had worked for Royal Mail for 24 years and had previously lived a law-abiding life.

However, in a "momentary lapse of concentration" he didn't see Mr Watkins' bike and crossed the white line without indicating. He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Swansea Crown Court.

Judge Catherine Richards said Mr Watkins had been a man "much-loved, admired, and respected by his family and friends".

She said it was accepted the collision had been caused by a momentary lapse of concentration and accepted that Thompson's remorse was heartfelt and genuine. Nevertheless, she said it was recognised that motorcyclists were vulnerable road users which drivers should be looking out for.

Thompson was jailed for 28 weeks, suspended for 12 months. He was also banned from driving for two years.

Poppy Danby