Driver Escapes Jail following Fatal Collision in the New Forest

A motorist has been disqualified from driving after his careless driving caused the death of a cyclist in the New Forest. Frankie Katciotis, 18, of Greatwood Close, Hythe, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Steven Jones by careless driving. Southampton Crown Court heard how a Seat Ibiza being driven by Katciotis collided with the cyclist along Hilltop, as they travelled from Fawley towards Beaulieu. The prosecution told how Katciotis had failed to see 61-year-old Mr Jones, from Blackfield, and crashed into the back of him on August 12. The hearing heard how police investigations found that Katciotis had been consistently travelling at more than the 40mph limit, at a time when the low sun was affecting visibility. Today he was sentenced six months in prison, which has been suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from driving for two years. PC Kelly Hargreaves, from the Joint Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This death could have been easily avoided if Katciotis had not driven so irresponsibly and adjusted his driving to suit the road conditions. “Not only was he travelling above the speed limit, he was doing this while the sun was low, which was significantly affecting his view. “Drivers have a responsibility to reduce their speeds to fit the driving conditions, but Katciotis refused to do this and as a result a family is left mourning the unnecessary death of a loved one. “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Jones today.”