Driver cleared of killing speeding biker

A BMW 4×4 driver accused of killed a motorcyclist who was doing twice the speed limit has been cleared by an Old Bailey jury.

Biker Ibrahim Keegan, 31, travelling at over 40mph in a 20mph zone limit on his 125cc his Honda CV4 when he hit Sampson Essien’s X5 which was crossing his path to turn right.

Mr Keegan was also in breach of the Highway Code by wearing an unfastened helmet which was torn off by the force of the impact and sent bouncing down the road.

He suffered a fractured skull and injuries to his kidneys and liver and was pronounced dead four days after the crash which took place on the night of November 1 2019.

Despite the biker’s speed, prosecutors tried to blame Mr Essien for the death on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, east London.

But prosecutor Hamish Common said ‘Essien did not look properly or at all before moving across the opposite lane,’ he said.

But Essien told the jury. I did look. I don’t know what more I could have done to avoid him.’

Essien, of Brighton Avenue, Walthamstow was cleared of denies causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Judge Sarah Munroe said the verdict was ‘understandable on the facts of the case.’