Driver escapes jail term following fatal collision in Knott End-on-Sea

A Blackpool man has avoided prison after admitting killing a motorcyclist while driving in Knott End.

Ian Joseph Hall, known to his friends and loved ones as Joe, tragically lost his life after a car driven by a man from Blackpool veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with Joe in the village of Knott End-on-Sea.

Today (13th August), that man - Sola Silas - was sentenced at Preston Crown Court for causing the death of Joe by careless driving.

Joe’s wife Karen said: "On 25th October 2023 my life changed forever. My wonderful loving husband Joe had ridden his motorcycle to Knott End to meet friends for coffee and was involved in a serious road traffic collision on his way home.

“For the next four days Joe remained in a coma. The amazing staff on the sunflower, critical care ward at Preston hospital did their upmost to save him but sadly on the 30th of October Joe could no longer fight and was taken off the ventilator.

“Joe did nothing wrong and was doing 20mph through the village when Mr Silas swerved onto Joe's side of the road and caused this catastrophic incident. Despite this, Mr Silas and his defence team then took 19 months of stalling and delays before they finally pleaded guilty, which has been a living hell for me and my family and for which I will never forgive them. Even now he has shown little remorse or given us a reason for his careless actions.

“Joe was a loving, caring husband who loved life and looked forward to every day. He was always looking for our next adventure and planning for our future. I have lost my best friend and soul mate.

‘’This sentencing today will never be enough to repair the loss and hurt I feel but after 22 months of court cases, statements and constant stress I can now concentrate on grieving and try to come to terms with the massive hole in my life that this has caused.

‘’I have to thank all the police team for their hard work behind the scenes that has led to this point today and for the support I have received, especially from my family liaison officer PC Tim Taylor. You do an amazing job."

At 5.50pm on 25th October 2023 officers received reports that a road traffic collision had occurred on Lancaster Road in Knott End.

When police arrived, it was established that a silver Vauxhall Corsa, driven by Silas, had been travelling towards the village centre when for unknown reasons the car was steered onto the wrong side of the carriageway.

It then collided head on with 73-year-old Joe’s Yamaha FZS600 motorcycle.

Joe was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he tragically died five days later as a result of multiple injuries.

Silas, 40, of Palatine Road, Blackpool, was arrested at the scene and later charged. He appeared in the dock at Lancaster Magistrates Court where he pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving but changed his plea when the case was later escalated to Preston Crown Court.

He returned to the same court today where he was sentenced to 30 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “On 25th October 2023 Joe went out for a ride with the intention of returning home to his family.

‘’Tragically he never did, through absolutely no fault of his own. While we’ll never know why Silas drove onto the wrong side of the road, that action resulted in the death of a much-loved family man.

“Joe's death should serve as a reminder to other motorists about the importance of always staying alert when you are behind the wheel and being extra vigilant for vulnerable road users.”