Disqualified driver jailed for more than eight years

A disqualified driver has been sentenced to eight years and three months in jail.

He was the driver of a BMW when it collided with a motorbike, leading to the death of a 20 year-old-woman

Shane Kelk, 28 years-old, of no fixed address, fled the scene after the car he was driving was involved in a serious collision on Sunday 13 November, on the B1168 New River Gate, Holbeach.  His car had collided with a green Kawasaki motorcycle.

The court heard how Kelk had been driving a grey BMW car north towards Holbeach St Johns, just before 5pm, when he crossed onto the wrong side of the road to overtake a vehicle in front.  As he did so his vehicle collided with a motorbike being ridden in the opposite direction.  After the collision he ran off from the scene. Sadly, the rider received serious injuries and was taken to hospital.  Amy Cooper died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday 14 November.

Extensive and fast moving inquiries by several departments across two police force areas, led police to an address in Peterborough. Early the next morning they found Kelk at the address, where he was arrested for several offences, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while disqualified and leaving the scene of a collision  

He was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to all six offences; causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while disqualified, failing to stop at the collision and failing to report, driving without insurance and possessing cannabis resin.

He has been sentenced today to eight years and three months in jail, and disqualified from driving for eight and a half years.

Sergeant Adam Doona, Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Lincoln, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of Amy today. 

“Kelk should never have been driving on the day of the collision, he was disqualified and drove with no regard for the safety of other road users.  To flee from the scene and the devastation that he had caused, as he did, is such an act of cowardice.  I would like to pass my thanks onto everyone who helped to locate him, and to the investigation team for their hard work, in making sure we put this man before the courts.”

After his arrest, Kelk was released under investigation while officers carried out further inquiries.  However, as he was subject to licence conditions, having been released from prison in July 2020, for offences including possession of a firearm with intent to cause the fear of violence.  He has been remanded in prison up until his sentence today.   

The family of Amy Cooper have asked they are not contacted by any media and their privacy is respected.

 

Image: Shane Kelk

 

Image: Amy Cooper