Legbourne bike crash teenager detained for 18 months

Annette Mercer was initially thought to have escaped serious injury

A 19-year-old Lincolnshire motorcyclist has been detained for causing the death of a grandmother in a road accident.

Geoffrey Fawcett collided with a car carrying Annette Mercer while overtaking at Legbourne in summer 2009.

The 56-year-old was not thought to have been badly hurt, but was later found to have suffered severe internal injuries, including a ruptured heart valve.

Fawcett, who admitted causing death by careless driving, was sent to a young offenders' institution for 18 months.

Mrs Mercer's condition deteriorated when she was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash on the A157 on 21 September.

Passing sentence at Lincoln Crown Court, Judge Michael Heath said the case was an "absolute tragedy" for her family.

Fawcett, from Howdales, South Cockerington, was also banned from driving for three years and will have to take an extended driving retest.