Overview
- A right‑turning Honda pulled into the path of Detective Constable Karen Smith's motorcycle at the A1033/B1240 junction near Hedon on 18 December 2024, killing the 49‑year‑old at the scene.
- The driver, 72‑year‑old Laurence Green, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was given a one‑year suspended prison term and a two‑year driving ban when he was sentenced on Tuesday.
- Prosecutors told court that Green's passenger warned him 'Laurence – there is a bike' and that the motorcycle's headlight would have been visible for about 268 metres, roughly ten seconds, before the collision.
- Colleagues and Humberside Police representatives described Det Con Smith as a deeply respected, experienced member of the major crime team whose death has left her family and force devastated.
- Green, a former bus, HGV and taxi driver with a previously unblemished record, expressed deep remorse and said he would never drive again; the case may prompt local scrutiny of junction safety and driving decisions at night.