Court hears how holidaymaker killed mum in horror Northumberland crash
A holidaymaker who killed a mum in a horror crash has kept his freedom.
Bader Alfarsi pulled his Volvo XC90 out into the path of Marion Cunningham and her partner, who were riding motorbikes on the A1 in Northumberland in July.
Newcastle Crown Court heard both riders were unable to avoid a collision with Alfarsi's car and Miss Cunningham, who was in her 50s and from Edinburgh, died as a result of her injuries.
Alfarsi, 50, a civil servant who was visiting the UK from the UAE and had his wife and child in his vehicle, admitted causing death by careless driving and has been given a suspended jail term.
The court heard Miss Cunningham and Roy Dickson, her partner of 38 years, had been for a day out on their bikes and were travelling north on the A1.
Alfarsi had been travelling south, failed to see both riders and pulled across their path while trying to turn right.
Judge Robert Adams said: "Nothing that I say today or any sentence that I pass today will ever make up for the loss of Marion Cunningham to her long term partner Roy Dickson and her daughter Natasha Dickson and the rest of their family and friends.
"It is inexplicable how you didn't see the two motorbikes. They were not travelling fast, they must have been visible as you approached the turn, as you moved through the right turn box and turned right into their path.
"Both motorcycles collided with you, not just one and it seems to me this failure was more than a momentary loss of concentration."
The UAE Embassy confirmed Alfarsi has no other convictions or traffic violations. He was entitled to drive in the UK and fully insured.
The court heard he stayed at the scene after the crash and told Mr Dickson: "I'm sorry".
Mr Dickson said in an impact statement Miss Cunningham was an honest, hard working woman who loved life. They had never been married but had been together since they were 18 and he has been devastated by her loss.
He added that she was a very competent and safe rider and a "wonderful woman who would do anything for anyone, even a complete stranger".
Natasha Dickson worked with her mum as a cleaner and has also been devastated by the loss of her "best friend".
The court heard Alfarsi has been "extremely upset", repeatedly apologised and said he would trade his soul for hers.
Judge Adams said it is unlikely Alfarsi, who spent ten days in custody before being bailed to a UK address, will ever be in trouble again and has a good prospect of rehabilitation.
Alfarsi was sentenced to 30 weeks suspended for 12 months with £500 costs and a 12-month road ban.