Speeding mum guilty of manslaughter after motorbike crash kills man in Kingstanding
High-speed chase ends in tragedy
A woman has been found guilty of manslaughter after a man died when she knocked him off his motorbike in Kingstanding last May.
Thomas Maguire, 30, was riding along Kings Road on 18 May when Kerry Fair slammed her car into him. Fair, 39, had been chasing Thomas after hearing he stole a motorbike from her daughter’s boyfriend earlier that day.
Reckless pursuit at 80mph in 30 zone
Police revealed Fair was caught on camera driving between 76 and 86 mph in a 30 mph zone in her Ford Focus during the pursuit.
Thomas was thrown off the bike on impact. Fair then abandoned the car on the roadside with the engine running and a steering lock on — fleeing the scene immediately.
Victim dies after weeks in hospital
Friends rushed Thomas to hospital where he fought for life in critical condition for three weeks. Sadly, he died on 9 June from his injuries.
Fair’s wallet was found in the front door pocket of the car, leading to her arrest shortly after the crash.
Guilty verdict brings some closure to family
The 39-year-old from Parkeston Crescent, Kingstanding, was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on 7 March.
Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood said: “At the speed she was travelling, at the very least she was reckless to the fact Thomas would be injured as a result of her actions that night.”
“Had Fair applied emergency braking when she realised she was gaining rapidly on the motorbike, the collision could have been completely avoided, which inevitably could have prevented Thomas from being injured.”
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Thomas and I hope today’s verdict can bring them some closure.”
Fair is set to be sentenced on Tuesday 14 March.
