A BMW driver has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing the death of motorcyclist Attila Radi in a “dangerous” crash on the M25 in 2021. Ashley McCabe, 36, from Herne Bay, Kent, was also banned from driving for 15 years and will spend an additional five years on licence upon release.

The fatal incident occurred on April 18, 2021, as Radi, 33, and his fiancée were riding their motorbike home from Surrey on a clear, sunny day. Witnesses reported that Radi, wearing a high-visibility jacket, and his fiancée, in a high-visibility helmet, were highly visible on the motorway.

According to witnesses, McCabe was seen tailgating a white Audi S5 in lane four of the M25, near junctions 7 and 6. In an attempt to undertake the Audi, McCabe swerved his grey BMW 1 Series into lane three, where he struck Radi’s motorbike. Despite Radi’s efforts to regain control, he and his fiancée were thrown from the bike, with Radi fatally landing in the central reservation. His fiancée, who landed on the carriageway, sustained minor injuries.

Instead of stopping, McCabe continued driving and turned himself in to police the following day. He admitted to being the driver of the BMW but denied noticing or colliding with the motorbike. After a trial in July at Kingston Crown Court, McCabe was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and received his sentence on October 22.

Detective Constable Marlon Nolan, the investigating officer, stated, “The dangerous actions of McCabe led to the worst-case scenario and the completely avoidable death of Attila Radi, which his loved ones will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. McCabe’s driving was described by other road users as aggressive, dangerous, and intimidating, with a total disrespect for all other vehicles and people. He will now have an extended time in prison to think about his actions and the life that was needlessly taken away.”