Philip Wise crash death: Aaron Borrow accused of careless driving

Philip Wise, 56, suffered “indescribable” injuries during the crash on the A286 in Sussex.

He was knocked into the path of oncoming traffic as he rode towards West Wittering.

Aaron Borrow, 30, is accused of causing death by careless driving of the father and husband Mr Wise.

It is claimed that his driving fell below the standards of a careful and competent driver.

At Brighton Crown Court, jurors were told that it was a “tragic” case that will stir emotion for all involved.

It was suggested that other motorists had seen Mr Wise filtering through stationary traffic in Main Road, Birdham on a hot July day.

Aaron Borrow is on trial accused of causing the death of Philip Wise by careless driving on the A286 near Birdham, Chichester in July 2018

Mr Wise had to be “extricated” from the wreckage of the crash and was rushed to Southampton General Hospital, where he later died.

The road was closed for several hours as police investigated his death in July 2018.

Daniel Frier, prosecuting, said Borrow had been out driving to the beach with his partner Ashleigh Skipper but got stuck in heavy traffic.

The prosecutor said: “The defendant had been in traffic for some time. He decided, at a point when stationary, that he wanted to get his hay fever medication from the boot.

“He opened the car door and struck Philip Wise on his motorcycle. The consequence was to force Mr Wise into oncoming traffic where he was struck by a vehicle coming the other way.

“Tragically Mr Wise died of those injuries.

“It is the prosecution case that on July 1, 2018, Aaron Borrow the defendant caused the death of Philip Wise by careless driving.”

Aaron Borrow is on trial accused of causing the death of Philip Wise by careless driving on the A286 near Birdham, Chichester in July 2018

Mr Frier said they were on a straight section of road, and said Mr Wise had been travelling in a straight line at a speed estimated to be between 20mph and 30mph. The speed limit on the road is 40mph.

Visibility was good, and Borrow had his window wound down while at the wheel of his Jaguar, and “should have heard” the motorbike, Mr Frier said.

Other motorcycles had already filtered past the traffic jam, jurors were told.

He said: “The door opened about a foot, suddenly. By the time the door began to open the motorcycle was already at the back of the car. It had no time to react.

“The door collided with the motorcyclist and caused him to move into the other side of the road.

“The motorist heading in the other direction tried to brake and steer away, but there was simply not enough time.”

Aaron Borrow is on trial accused of causing the death of Philip Wise by careless driving on the A286 near Birdham, Chichester in July 2018

Borrow, represented by Sean Sullivan, denies the charge. In a prepared statement to the police he said he had carried out checks of the road before opening the door.

He said he opened the door “cautiously” and had carried out the “sufficient” checks.

“In short, he denies that he acted without due care and attention,” the prosecutor said.

Borrow, of Shelley Road, East Grinstead, denies causing death by careless driving. The trial is expected to last for several days.