A 20-year-old man has been sentenced after being found guilty of dangerously driving, resulting in the death of a teenager near Weston-super-Mare.
Kasper Stankiewicz was unanimously found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, 13 May, of causing the death of 18-year-old Alfie Gray. The fatal incident occurred on the A370.
On Tuesday, 10 September 2024, Alfie Gray was riding his motorbike home from work along the A370 towards Weston-super-Mare. Stankiewicz, travelling in the opposite direction, overtook another vehicle near Puxton Park by moving onto the wrong side of the road, where he collided with Alfie. Tragically, Alfie died as a result of his injuries.
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At Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 September, Stankiewicz, from Congresbury, was sentenced to two years in a young offenders’ institution and disqualified from driving for six years.
Alfie’s mother, Jennifer Gray, read a heartfelt victim impact statement in court, expressing the profound pain her family has endured. She reflected on Alfie’s passion for riding, despite her initial fears, and described how it brought joy and confidence to her son. She said, “People say time is a healer. It’s a lie. We are broken forever. The heartbreak never ceases. It will never go away. Every day I wake up hoping this nightmare isn’t real.”
Designated Investigation Officer Zoe Wilkinson commented on the tragedy, emphasising the deep loss felt by Alfie’s family and friends. She highlighted the strength shown by loved ones during the difficult court proceedings and acknowledged the devastating impact of losing such a promising young man at the start of his adult life.