Leeds pensioner jailed for dangerous driving death of Sherburn in Elmet man

Americo Barbacane, originally from Italy, attempted to overtake two vehicles on a blind bend on the B1222 near Sherburn in Elmet.

He crossed the double white lines and hit a motorcycle ridden by 41-year-old Paul Sprakes travelling in the opposite direction.

Mr Sprakes, died as a result of the collision which happened at 4pm on 21 August 2014.

On Thursday 14 January 2016, Mr Barbacane, of Ayresome Terrace, Leeds, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, by a jury at York Crown Court. He was jailed for five years the following day and was also handed a five-year driving ban.

Senior Investigating Officer Zoe Billings of the Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “A young family who adored their father has been left devastated by a deliberate and very dangerous manoeuvre.

"Mr Sprakes had no time to take evading action and paid for Barbacane’s decision to overtake with his life. Today’s outcome sends a clear message of the deadly consequences of taking chances on the roads.

“My thanks go to Mr Sprakes’ family who have suffered immensely, yet have shown great patience and courage over the past 18 months as the investigation progressed, and to the witnesses who gave evidence in the case.

“Nothing can compensate or bring their much loved husband and father back, but I hope the fact that now justice has been done, it will offer the family some comfort knowing that someone has been held accountable for shattering their lives and that they can now start to move on.”