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Driver admits killing random motorcyclist after following him and ramming him from behind

Paul Barrett (pictured) killed lone motorcyclist Ryan Brindley after deliberately colliding with the rear of his motorbike. (SWNS)
Paul Barrett (pictured) killed lone motorcyclist Ryan Brindley after deliberately colliding with the rear of his motorbike. (SWNS)

A driver has admitted killing a random motorcyclist after following him and smashing into him from behind in an “unprovoked” attack.

Paul Barrett, 42, killed lone rider Ryan Brindley after following him and deliberately colliding with the rear of his motorbike.

Barrett had left an address in Mere, Wiltshire, driving a Volkswagen Touran, to apparently travel to Wilton for a pre-arranged appointment.

However, he began speeding around the village of Dinton, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in a 30mph zone.

Barrett then saw Mr Brindley, 43, coming in the opposite direction so turned around and followed him – driving at high speed to catch him up.

The incident took place on the B3089 Hindon Road in Dinton on 22 December last year. (Google)
The incident took place on the B3089 Hindon Road in Dinton on 22 December last year. (Google)

Barrett then deliberately collided with the rear of the motorcycle, carrying it along the road and causing Mr Brindley to fall off onto the ground.

Mr Brindley was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, that took place on the B3089 Hindon Road in Dinton at around 7.30pm on 22 December last year.

Barrett was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment before being taken into police custody.

He has now pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Winchester Crown Court.

Winchester, United Kingdom, 10th August 2021:- The Law Courts in Winchester which contain Winchester Crown Court
Paul Barrett pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Winchester Crown Court. (PA/Alamy)

Detective chief inspector Simon Childe, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The killing of Ryan Brindley appears to have been an entirely random and unprovoked incident.

“When we were able to watch the dash cam footage from the car Barrett was driving, it was clear that he was driving around the Dinton area and then changed direction to follow Ryan when he spotted his motorcycle.

“We do not believe they were known to each other, or that there had been any previous interaction between the pair. It seems that Ryan was targeted entirely at random.”

Barrett, of Mere, Wiltshire, will be sentenced next month.