Careless Driver Causes Tragic Motorcycle Death in Northumberland

A tragic accident on the A1 near Alnwick, Northumberland, resulted in the death of a beloved mother, Marion Cunningham, who was riding her motorcycle with her partner, Roy Dickson, on July 13, 2023. The incident occurred when Bader Alfarsi, a civil servant from the United Arab Emirates, turned his vehicle across the northbound carriageway without seeing the motorcycles.

At approximately 13:52, Miss Cunningham and Mr. Dickson were returning home after a day trip to Cresswell on their recently acquired scooters. As they approached the junction with the B6341, Alfarsi, driving a Volvo SC90, failed to notice their presence while attempting to make a right turn. Mr. Dickson shouted a warning to his partner as the Volvo moved into their path, but despite her attempt to brake, Miss Cunningham could not avoid the collision.

Witnesses described the harrowing scene, noting that there was little time for the couple to react. Following the impact, both riders were thrown from their motorcycles. Despite immediate assistance from passers-by and emergency services, Miss Cunningham succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.

In court, it was revealed that Alfarsi had no alcohol or drugs in his system and had no prior convictions. He expressed remorse for the tragedy, approaching Mr. Dickson immediately after the accident to convey his apologies. Judge Robert Adams, presiding over the case at Newcastle Crown Court, described it as “inexplicable” that Alfarsi had failed to see the motorcycles, noting that they were not travelling at excessive speeds and were not at fault.

Mr. Dickson, who had been in a relationship with Miss Cunningham for 38 years, provided a poignant victim impact statement. He described her as a hard-working individual who loved life and was dedicated to helping others. He expressed his devastation at losing her, emphasizing their plans to upgrade to larger motorcycles in the future.

Miss Cunningham’s daughter, Natasha Dixon, shared her grief, highlighting their close bond and the memories they created together, such as riding bikes and playing golf. She expressed her sorrow over key life events her mother would now miss.

In the aftermath of the incident, Alfarsi pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He received a sentence of 30 weeks, suspended for 12 months, along with costs of £500. Judge Adams acknowledged Alfarsi’s remorse and described him as a man of “impeccable character” who had made a grave mistake.

Defense counsel Patrick Gibbs KC stated that Alfarsi is tormented by guilt, often wishing he could exchange his life for Miss Cunningham’s. He underscored the profound impact of the accident on both families, emphasizing that Alfarsi was driving in a normal manner on a clear day and could not explain how he failed to see the motorcycles.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads, particularly for drivers encountering motorcyclists. As communities mourn the loss of a cherished individual, the case highlights the devastating consequences of careless driving and the lasting impact on families and loved ones.