A MOTORCYCLIST has been cleared of killing a pensioner after a judge told the jury there was insufficient evidence.

Caroline O'Keeffe, 70, died after a collision with a Suzuki motorcycle while crossing a road with her two dogs in Kingston Blount, near Thame, in October 2006.

At Oxford Crown Court today, Michael O'Neill, 37, of Britwell Road in Watlington, was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.

David Hislop, defending Mr O'Neill, asked Judge Christopher Compston to throw out the case after the prosecution finished its case.

At 1pm Judge Compston directed the jury to give a not guilty verdict adding evidence from witness Ernest Foster - who told the trail Mr O'Neill was not speeding and Ms O'Keeffe did not see the bike - was "compelling".

Outside court Mr O'Neill criticised police for the way in which they conducted the crash investigations at the scene.

He said: "I am very happy with the outcome I wasn't speeding. I am sorry for the family.

"The last 18 months have been very difficult, it has been very stressful from day one having it hanging over me.

He said he understood why the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service took the case to court.

But he added: "I can see how they can be sympathetic towards the family but I think they should have done their tests a little better."

Mr O'Neill said he had no recollection of the crash and received a skull fracture, cuts to his eye and partial loss of sight and brain damage.

The trial had heard police calculated Mr O'Neill's speed as 39mph in a 30mph limit.

Judge Compston told court he agreed to a request from O'Neill's defence team that evidence to the jury by witness Mr Foster was compelling He said: "Mr Foster's evidence was absolutely all one way. The driver appeared to be travelling at a normal speed.

"He did not appear to be speeding. The lady was wearing very dark clothing she was difficult to see. The lady did not stop, she walked straight into the path of the motorcycle. It wasn't challenged by the prosecution."

Addressing the jury, Judge Compston said: "I am going to withdraw the case from you and ask you to give a verdict of not guilty."

The three-day trial heard Ms O'Keeffe, originally from Dorset, was staying with friends when she died.

She was crossing High Street at about 7.45am on October 24 2006 when she collided with the 1,000cc motorcycle.

Her dog Sheba was also killed in the crash.