A Monmouth farmer has been jailed for eight years for causing the death of a motorcyclist on the A40 near Ganarew four years ago.

61-year-old Philip Baker, of Wonastow Monmouth, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared before a jury at Worcester Crown Court in July 2026.

He was sentenced yesterday (September 22) to eight years in prison and disqualified from driving for nine years.

The fatal road traffic collision on 11 August 2022 at just before 10pm, saw 26-year-old motorcyclist Dr Steven Lee killed at the scene after colliding with the back of Baker’s trailer

Baker had been hauling straw and was travelling from Walford in the direction of Monmouth on the A40 in the moments before the fatal collision.

The jury heard in July that the tractor and trailer he was driving had numerous dangerous defects, including the lack of an amber beacon which should be in place to alert other road users as to the potential hazard of its presence and slower speed.

This was identified by officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) as the main causal factor for the collision, as it meant Dr Lee had no warning as he approached it on his motorbike at normal speed.

The tractor and trailer were also in a poor condition and overloaded with straw bales. The brakes on the trailer did not work and were not connected to the tractor cab. The hydraulic line between the two was poorly maintained and the lights cable was held on by baler twine.

The lack of amber warning light, verified by several eyewitnesses, resulted in the collision between Baker’s tractor and trailer and Steven’s motorcycle as Baker was travelling at a speed significantly lower than the posted speed limit.

Dr Lee’s family paid tribute to him following the sentencing of Mr Baker today (September 22, 2026).

Dr Steven Lee was killed at the scene
(The Lee family)

“Steven’s life was lived to the absolute fullest and he achieved so much in the time he had.

“He was able to help, support and contribute to the lives of so many people and did not hesitate to do so.

“We remember him as a loving son, adored little brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and a great friend. He will always be missed.”

Steven was an accomplished piano player and qualified as a piano teacher but also had a taste for adrenaline, hence his love of motorbikes.

But two wheels weren’t quite enough so he enrolled in the Air Training Corps (ATC) at the age of 13.

He loved flying and was, in the words of his commanding officer: “A credit to his squadron and to himself.” He gained the Queen’s Commission and became a pilot officer and continued volunteering with the ATC.”

The family have set up the Dr Steven Lee foundation, which is aimed at trying to reduce fatalities on the roads by providing funds to provide advanced motorcycle training to new riders: drstevenleefoundation.org.uk .