Biker died after driver fell asleep

A woman killed a Spalding motorcyclist after falling asleep at the wheel and veering into oncoming traffic.

Mollie Southam (23) was driving along the A16 near Newborough at about 6am on February 7, 2020, when her car veered into the opposite lane, hitting a motorcyclist head on and causing a five-vehicle collision.

The motorcyclist, Simon Rayner (51), of Thomas Road, Spalding, was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation it became clear Southam had ignored the warning signs and fallen asleep, causing her vehicle to drift across the carriageway into the path of Mr Rayner.

Southam, of Hawthorn Drive, Brackley, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving following a trial in May.

She was sentenced on Monday, June 27 at Peterborough Crown Court to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, 160 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from driving for three years.

Det Sgt Mark Dollard said: “This was a needless tragedy. It shows the importance of being well rested before driving and to not drive while tired.

“Mr Rayner lost his life because Miss Southam fell asleep at the wheel. His family have had their lives changed forever and she will have to live with the consequences of her actions.

“If people can take anything away from this, it should be that tiredness can kill. Take a break if you need to, a 15-minute delay is better than a life ruined.”

more >

‘Prolific shoplifter’ avoids jail after knife incident at Spalding store

6 Nov 2026

Tributes to retired doctor

6 Nov 2026

South Holland set for Remembrance events

6 Nov 2026

Ship weathervane returns to Spalding’s sky

5 Nov 2026

Man avoids jail after causing serious injury driving wrong way around roundabout during police chase

5 Nov 2026

Murder investigation concludes death of woman at Spalding home ‘not suspicious’

5 Nov 2026