Driver Jailed for Fatal Collision; Victim’s Family Pays Tribute

The family of a man who died after being struck from his motorcycle has honored their “inquisitive and adventurous” loved one. Fay Newman caused the death of Nick Bennell, 35, in 2021 when, while driving her car on the A448 Bromsgrove Highway in the direction of Redditch, she overtook other vehicles and collided with Mr. Bennell and his motorcycle. On Monday, Ms. Newman was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and received a sentence of 20 months imprisonment at Worcester Crown Court. Mr. Bennell’s family characterized him as “a devoted son… supportive big brother… [and] fun, loving, entertaining uncle and father-of-two.” Additionally, Newman received a driving disqualification for a period of two years and ten months. Denise Bennell, 62, Mr. Bennell’s mother, offered a tribute to her son, who died while journeying from Worcester to Redditch on August 18, 2021. She stated, “He had a smile that would brighten up the room and the most infectious laugh.” She added, “Nick was very sociable and was always first on the dance floor at any family gathering we had.” Moments prior to the fatal collision, Mr. Bennell had fallen from his motorcycle in a separate incident. With traffic occupying lane one of the dual carriageway, Newman shifted into lane two before hitting him; he was declared deceased at the location. “His life’s light was sadly snubbed out but will always shine bright in my heart for the rest of my life,” his mother expressed. “His older siblings remember fondly their baby brother’s mop of hair, big blue eyes, and inquisitive and adventurous nature,” the family’s statement continued. “He was a supportive big brother to his little sister, he was everything to her. He was a fun-loving, entertaining uncle and a loving father of two,” the statement further detailed. “These are all memories that will be cherished forever in their hearts and thoughts. He will not see his children grow up, meet any grandchildren or be there for any future family milestones,” the family lamented. They concluded, “Our broken hearts will always miss him, but his bright shining light will remain in ours, his elderly grandmother and the wider family’s memories forever.” Readers can follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.