DRINK-driver Stephen Ivings killed a young motorcyclist in a hit-and-run smash at an accident blackspot, a court heard.

Ivings, 37, of Woodlands, Radley, was more than twice the drink-drive limit when he pulled out in front of 17-year-old Thomas Pedley, Oxford Crown Court heard.

He then fled the scene and nearly hit another car before finally stopping and being arrested, the court was told.

Mr Pedley later died at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after the accident at the junction of Sunningwell and Sugworth Lanes on the A4183 Radley Road on June 12 last year.

The court was told that Ivings had been to fetch a Chinese meal in Abingdon with his brother-in-law when the accident happened at 10.15pm.

Basil Hillman, prosecuting, said Ivings drove his red Ford Sierra across the junction without stopping at a give way sign and was in collision with Mr Pedley's 350cc Yamaha motorcycle which was heading towards Abingdon.

Mr Hillman said: "His driving that evening fell far below that of a reasonable competent, and purdent driver."

Phillip Andrews, of Sugworth Lane, came rushing out of his house after hearing a loud bang.

Mr Andrews told the court: "The car was straddled across the dotted lines at the end of Sugworth Lane. It was starting to reverse towards the person lying in the road.

"I banged on the back of the car and shouted to stop. He stopped and then drove off towards Oxford."

Mr Andrews said he did not see any lights on the car. He added that the junction was a renowned accident black spot and there has already been another serious accident at the spot earlier this year. The court heard that Ivings eventually stopped his car in Kennington after nearly hitting another car as he tried to overtake in his escape.

In interviews with police he said he fled the scene because he "just panicked". He said that he had only drunk two cans of strong lager on the night in question.

He told police: "I remember getting to the junction, which is renowned as a dangerous junction, I did not see any lights and went to drive towards Sugworth Lane. Suddenly there was a bang, I panicked and went to drive off towards Oxford." He was found to have 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Ivings denies causing death by driving without due care and attention having consumed alcohol above the legal limit. The case continues.

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