A Dagenham driver has been jailed for causing the death of a 21-year-old ‘fun-loving and intelligent’ motorcyclist.

Steven Pitcher died when Azuki Eneli, of Marston Avenue, Dagenham attempted to make a turn across his path on the B1508 Bures Road, in West Bergholt, Essex on April 18, 2010.

Eneli, 41, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment at Chelmsford Crown Court last Friday after pleading guilty to causing his death by careless driving.

Eneli was also sentenced to two months in prison, to run concurrently, for causing death while uninsured and disqualified from driving for two years.

Senior investigating officer, Inspector Steve Brewer said: “Steven was riding his motorcycle along the B1508 Bures Road when the car being driven by Azuka Eneli attempted to make a turn across his path.

“Our investigations into this crash showed that the motorcyclist was clearly visible and therefore the crash was completely avoidable.

“Sadly too many motorcyclists die in crashes similar to this one. Eneli will have to live with the consequences of her actions but Steven’s family have been left with a huge void in their lives.“

Mr Pitcher’s mum, Kathryn Pitcher, paid tribute to her son. She said: “My heart has been broken, ripped from my chest in a fleeting moment. I have lost my son, my only child, my closest and best friend. I can never forgive or forget what this driver has done.”

In a statement his family said: “Stephen was a fun loving child, teenager and adult. He was intelligent, talented and had a great future ahead of him.”