A driver has admitted to killing a motorbike rider in what the judge has called “incredibly tragic” circumstances.

Johannes De-Vogel, 36, of Rosemary Way, Melksham, pleaded guilty on August 13 to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving on the A350 near Lacock.

Swindon Magistrates Court heard that Mr Beasley, of Chippenham, was travelling to work in Melksham on November 14, 2023, while De-Vogel was driving a black Skoda Kodiaq to Chippenham from Lacock.

De-Vogel did not stop at the give-way junction of the Melksham Road with the A350 and collided with the front of Mr Beasley's bike at around 5.30am.

Mr Beasley, who was in his 60s, came off his bike and died from the resulting injuries.

Mr Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said: “Evidence from his vehicle suggests he has slowed down at the junction but did not stop.

“He pulled out into the path of Mr Beasley giving him no time to react. Sadly, Mr Beasley died from his injuries.”

READ MORE: A350 fatal crash near Lacock sees tributes paid to victim

De-Vogel, who was represented by Mr Stephen Collins, accepts he was the driver and he looked right but miscalculated the distance of the motorbike.

De-Vogel studied criminology at De Montford University and works as a project manager. He has no previous convictions.Floral tributes left at the A350 after the fatal crash (Image: Trevor Porter)

District Judge Dickins addressed the family Mr Beasley in the public gallery: “Whatever sentence is passed, the entire situation is incredibly tragic and a really sad day for your family and a difficult time for all those concerned. 

“[This is] an incredibly tragic situation. The court is aware this is a very difficult day for all of you.”

Flowers were left for the biker in his 60s shortly afterwards at the scene of the crash, where the road remained closed for 10 hours while recovery and investigative works were completed.

De-Vogel will appear for sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on September 27. He was given an immediate interim driving disqualification.