A careless driver has avoided jail after a crash which killed a 56-year-old motorcyclist. 

Clifford Shasby died three weeks after being hit by the car driven by Riley Meachem, turning onto a shop car park.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim, Clifford Shasby, was described as "living life to the full" and that his death had left a giant hole in his family.

"Our lives have been shattered because of the reckless actions of one man," said the deceased's partner Gemma Caine in a victim impact statement. "He has destroyed our lives due to his avoidable actions. This would have been avoidable had he been paying attention."

The court was told the incident had also had a profound effect on the car driver, Meachem, who was only 21 at the time of the crash in October 2021.

Meachem, 23, of Brotherton Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and £95 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for 12 months.

Passing sentence District Judge Alexandra Preston said she had no doubt the loss of Mr Shasby had left a huge hole in his family and caused great suffering.

She said the defendant, who had been 21 at the time of the incident, had not been in trouble previously or since.

"I accept that you have been profoundly affected by the events of that day and that you feel heartfelt and genuine remorse," said District Judge Preston. "I believe you will live with the guilt of what happened that day for the rest of your life. There is nobody who escapes the tragedy of this incident."

She said she dealt with Meachem on the basis of his culpability which was a momentary loss of concentration.

"It's absolutely tragic for everyone involved that this collision occurred because of it," said District Judge Preston. "This incident underlines the fundamental responsibility that drivers have towards other road users."

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said the collision occurred on Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall, as the defendant, who was driving a BMW, turned right onto the car park of B&M Bargains. As he turned he collided with the Ducati ridden by Mr Shasby who suffered brain injuries and multiple pelvic and leg injuries.

He was rushed to hospital where he died three weeks later.

Mr Bardsley said Bocholt Way was subject to a speed limit of 30mph and it was accepted by the prosecution that at the time of impact Mr Shasby had been travelling at 48mph.

The vehicle in front of Mr Shasby was 20 seconds away and the vehicle behind was 10 seconds away.

When he was interviewed Meachem said he didn't see anything before hearing a loud bang.

Gwyn Williams, defending, said his client had always wanted to say he was sorry but that had not been possible.

"He wants me to say today just how sorry he is," said Mr Williams.

He said the accident report demonstrated that his client simply had not seen the motorbike.

"He has to accept it was there to be seen and he simply made a mistake," said Mr Williams. "He didn't take a risk."

Mr Williams said his client had been profoundly affected by what happened. He said he suffered panic attacks and nightmares and was taking anti-depressants and receiving behavioural therapy.

"He lives with this every second of the day," said Mr Williams. "Whatever sentence you impose cannot assuage the anguish that has been suffered by the victim's family. What you can do is assist the burden carried by Riley Meachem."