Driver Jailed for Fatal Crash That Killed Woman Motorcyclist

Kyle Waddell was jailed for over four years after causing a fatal head-on collision with motorcyclist Natalie Hawkins, who died instantly. Waddell had consumed drugs and alcohol and was banned from driving for over eight years.

Driver jailed after woman's death in motorbike crash

A car driver who caused the death of a motorcyclist after consuming drugs and alcohol has been sentenced to prison.

Natalie Hawkins, a 35-year-old mother of two from Livingston, died instantly at the scene on the A89 between Armadale and Westrigg on 11 August 2023.

Kyle Waddell, aged 23 from Falkirk, collided head-on with Ms. Hawkins while driving his Toyota Celica. Ms. Hawkins, a law and business student, was thrown from her Kawasaki motorcycle as a result of the impact.

Waddell pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at the High Court in Glasgow and received a custodial sentence of four years and two months.

In addition, Waddell was disqualified from driving for eight years and one month and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his license.

The court was informed of the circumstances leading to the collision.

Waddell had been drinking at a pub prior to driving. Evidence revealed that at one point, he rapidly closed the distance on a vehicle ahead.

Prosecutor Caroline Macbride stated:

"This other driver stated that when he saw the lights of the car approaching from behind, it appeared to be doing a fast speed between 70mph and 80mph."

Waddell was reportedly within inches of colliding with the vehicle in front.

The Toyota then moved onto the opposite side of the road, where the other driver noticed the motorcyclist.

Macbride added:

"The Toyota was still on the opposing carriageway. The Toyota struck Natalie Hawkins head-on, throwing her from the motorcycle."

The Toyota left the road and came to rest on its roof.

Subsequent testing showed that Waddell had cocaine and alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.

Kyle Waddell has short, brown hair and is wearing a grey sweatshirt with a rucksack over his shoulders. There is a red brick wall behind him. — Image caption, The court heard how Kyle Waddell's car hit Natalie Hawkins head-on

'Catastrophic consequences'

Defence counsel Ian McSporran KC remarked:

"Nothing I can say on my client's behalf can mitigate or lessen the effect of his catastrophic driving which had catastrophic consequences.

He is aware that by his actions he has destroyed a life and a family unit - none of that can be taken back."

Lady Drummond, presiding judge, addressed Waddell directly:

"Natalie had recently obtained her motorcycle licence and was described as a really careful motorcyclist who avoided busy roads.

She would have had no reason to anticipate that you would drive towards her at speed and she had no opportunity to react."

The judge further stated:

"You have effectively destroyed not only a life but a family and nothing I can do today can lessen their grief of their profound loss. In all the circumstances, there is no sentence other than imprisonment which is appropriate."

Family members of the victim paid tribute, expressing their grief and loss: