An uninsured driver who killed a motorcyclist in a crash has been jailed for eight years.

Gerald Cotter, of Prout Road, Clapton, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 23-year-old Kieron Fevrier in a crash in Orient Way, Leyton, on November 30 last year.

The 49-year-old was sentenced at the Old Bailey today (Monday, March 20) for a string of offences including causing death by dangerous driving, driving while uninsured and possession of stolen goods.

Police had been called to Orient Way at around 9pm on November 30, after Cotter had crashed into Mr Fevrier with his car.

The motorcyclist, from Basildon in Essex, was pronounced dead at the scene by medics around 45 minutes after the incident.

In a statement released after Cotter’s sentencing, Mr Fevrier’s family said: “The day Kieron was killed ended our family life as it was.

“Kieron was an intelligent, caring young man who at 23 was just beginning his life. We are serving a life sentence whilst the man responsible will be out before Kieron would have been 30.

"We miss Kieron every day and don't know how we will get by without him, as he was such a big part of our lives.

“He should have been setting up home with his girlfriend Emma this year and planning for their future. Cotter has robbed two young people of a promising life together.

"We thank the police for pursuing this case and our family liaison officer who has been an invaluable support.

"We only hope Cotter sees our beautiful boy's face every time he closes his eyes.

“Kieron was a true blessing and a friend to everyone who knew him, he always saw the good in everyone! Something we will treasure forever.

"The careless stupid actions of one man who at 49 should have known better to have torn a family apart and robbed everyone of a truly wonderful human being.

"We will never forgive Cotter for his selfish actions."