A man has been jailed after a “dearly loved” motorcyclist died when he was knocked off his motorbike.

Mark Norris, 47, was riding his bike along Ongar Road near Herons Lane in Fyfield, shortly before 8pm on August 10 last year, when he was struck by a van.

Mark died at the scene while his 17-year-old pillion passenger was seriously injured and has permanently lost the use of one arm.

The teenage girl also required treatment for a bleed on the brain and pelvic injuries.

 

Mark Norris was dearly loved. Credit: Essex Police

Mark Norris was "dearly loved". Credit: Essex Police

 

The van, a white Ford Escort, was driving on the wrong side of the road and failed to stop at the scene but it was heavily damaged from the hit.

After an investigation, it was discovered the van was registered to Adrian Bendell, 50, of Salcott Creek Court, Braintree.

On August 12, officers were made aware that the van was taken to a scrap yard in Cressing and Bendell was later found and arrested on August 13.

 

Bendells van was found at a scrapyard Credit: Essex Police

Bendell's van was found at a scrapyard Credit: Essex Police

 

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Bendell admitted to all charges apart from perverting the course of justice at Chelmsford Crown Court on September 14 – but yesterday (February 9) he admitted to perverting the course of justice.

As a result, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years, disqualified for seven and-a-half years and will be required to take an extended driving test.

 

Bendells van was damaged after the incident. Credit: Essex Police

Bendell's van was damaged after the incident. Credit: Essex Police

 

Investigating officer Inspector Mark Fraser, from SCIU, said: “Mark Norris was dearly loved by those who knew him and his death has had an massive impact on them.

“Adrian Bendell was reckless and his actions after the collision were callous.

“Rather than stop to try and help Mark and his passenger, he made off, leaving him to die.

“His first thought was how he could cover his tracks and dispose of the vehicle.

“Through the dedication of the team working on this case, he was unable to get away with his crime and has now faces justice.

“No conviction or sentence can ever bring Mark back but I hope this result will help his family move forward.”