A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash which claimed the lives of husband and wife motorcycle enthusiasts from Weymouth.
The collision between a Kawasaki motorcycle and a Ford Escort took place on Higher Shaftesbury Road near Compton Abbas airfield north of Blandford on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2.
Sadly, biker Sid Samways, 74, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger - wife Barbara, 71, - was airlifted to hospital in Southampton but died a few days later after a "very short but brave battle".
The pair lived in Blandford at the time of the incident but had previously lived in Weymouth.
Their joint funeral was held in Weymouth in May which saw more than 100 bikers turn out in tribute (below).
A family member said at the time that the couple's two main loves were "motorbikes and their grandchildren who they doted on.”
The family member said: “We are all truly and absolutely devastated but also so grateful for the wonderful memories they have left us with.”
Police said a 24-year-old man from the Shaftesbury area has been charged with two counts of causing death by driving without due care and consideration while over the specified drug drive limit, and causing death by driving a vehicle unlicensed.
He is due to appear before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 9.
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