THE loved ones of a motorcyclist killed when a taxi driver failed to stop at a junction have described feeling "torn apart".

Justin Reygers, 27, died when he was hit by Jawed Iqbal's Skoda taxi as he pulled out of a junction on the A30 in Old Basing, in January 2019.

At Winchester Crown Court yesterday, Iqbal was sentenced to two years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

The driver, from Basingstoke, was also banned from getting behind the wheel for three years.

In heartbreaking statements, the court heard how Mr Reyger's death had devastated his family. 

His mother Susan told the court through a witten statement that her ‘whole world was torn apart’.

Mr Reyger, also known as Jay, was an only child and a blessing to Susan after she suffered from multiple miscarriages.

The court heard how Susan has not only lost her child but has also been stripped of the chance to be a grandmother.

“I am so lost without my baby boy. I feel guilty whenever I enjoy myself.”

Susan is now relying on sleeping pills and antidepressants to help her through her grief.

Laura, Jay’s wife said in her impact statement: “On 14 January two people died that day.

“I lost who I was as a person. I have lost my best friend.”

The newlyweds were trying for a baby and saving hard to buy a house, she described their wedding day as “the best day of our lives”.

Since her beloved husband’s death Laura has had to give up her job.

"I fear every time someone is late they have died. It has been the darkest time of my life.

"Until this case is over I will not be able to truly grieve."

She wrote after the trial: “No sentence will ever be long enough, we thought he wouldn't get a prison sentence at all, so for us this is a small victory! Rest in peace my love.”

It was noted in court that Laura was ‘angry at the lack of cooperation’ from Mr Iqbal throughout the case.

Jay’s uncle, Kenneth Rush, described him as a ‘gift’ and that he was ‘proud to have been Justin’s godfather and uncle’.

He added “I have no idea how Laura and Susan have been able to cope.”

DC Mark Furse, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit made a statement after the sentencing.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Justin Reygers, and I hope that the sentence imposed by the courts provides some closure to them.

“This must serve as a warning to all road users. This case highlights the needs to pay attention on the roads at all times, even when the roads are quiet.

“Please pay particular care to vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, to not do so is not worth the risk and your actions can and do have a lifelong impact on the families, friends and loved ones of those who die as a result.”