Woman (79) fined after killing motorcyclist in Hamilton Hill crash

A 79-year-old woman has been a given a fine of $3000 and had her drivers license disqualified for 12 months after she killed a motorcycle rider.

Jan De Groote pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death, grievous bodily harm or bodily harm at Fremantle Magistrates court today.

On April 20, at 4.15pm Ms De Groote was driving along Forrest Road in Hamilton Hill in a westerly direction when she turned right onto Arthur Road.

The 62-year-old motorcycle rider tried to avoid the car but hit the passenger side of the vehicle, and received a traumatic head injury.

The male rider had emergency surgery but died on April 27.

The lawyer for Ms De Groote said it was a tragedy and an error of judgement.

Magistrate Steven Malley said any fine imposed would not make much difference to the victim’s family.

“When we drive, we drive a potential weapon and we need to show due care,” he said.

A member of the public swore loudly and stormed out of the court when the sentence was handed down.