Man admits causing fatal crash after chasing biker at 80mph in 30mph zone
High-speed chase ends in tragedy
Paul Barrett, 42, from Mere, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (20/12) after pleading guilty to causing the death of motorcyclist Ryan Brindley. Barrett has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in January.
The fatal collision happened just before 7.30pm on 22 December 2021, on the B3089 Hindon Road in Dinton. Barrett, driving a Volkswagen Touran, had left a property in Mere to attend a pre-arranged appointment. But dash cam footage revealed a chilling truth.
Dash cam shows deliberate crash
- Barrett was caught driving through Dinton repeatedly at speeds of up to 80mph in a 30mph limit.
- He spotted Ryan Brindley, 43, riding alone and turned around to follow him.
- Barrett deliberately collided with the back of Ryan’s motorcycle, dragging it along the road.
- Ryan was thrown from his bike and tragically died at the scene.
Police condemn ‘random and unprovoked’ attack
“The killing of Ryan Brindley appears to have been an entirely random and unprovoked incident,” said Detective Chief Inspector Simon Childe of the Major Crime Investigation Team.
“Dash cam footage showed Barrett deliberately pursuing Ryan, who he did not know. There was no prior interaction between them. Ryan was targeted at random.”
“My thoughts remain with Ryan’s family nearly a year on. They have endured the cruellest of losses.”
Barrett was arrested on the night of the crash and taken to hospital for assessment before police custody.
