Overview

• Robert Newcombe, 70, died in September 2022 after hitting a crater on the A43 in Northamptonshire, causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle.
• A coroner ruled that the fatal crash resulted from a 'degraded road surface,' with poor-quality repairs creating a dangerous, uneven carriageway.
• Aileen Newcombe has launched High Court proceedings seeking substantial damages, accusing the council of negligence in maintaining the road.
• North Northamptonshire Council denies liability and disputes responsibility for the accident, setting the stage for potential judicial review if no settlement is reached.
• The case highlights broader concerns about road safety, inspection practices, and the vulnerability of motorcyclists to hazardous infrastructure.