A German tourist who caused the death of a popular Dundee bodybuilder in a horrific road crash has been admonished.
Ulf Koischwitz previously admitted causing the August 2019 collision in Highland Perthshire in which motorcyclist Steve Lewis died.
Koischwitz, 50, had driven his camper van on the wrong side of the A827 at Logierait, near the A9 at Ballinluig, when he hit Mr Lewis.
Despite desperate attempts to save the 53-year-old trade union organiser, he was pronounced dead by air ambulance medics.
Koischwitz appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court via video-link from Germany to admit causing Mr Lewis’s death through careless driving and was told to complete a 200-hour community payback order and be of good behaviour.
The court was told on Monday he had successfully done so in his local community in Quedlingburg, since that appearance in February 2021.
Sentencing decision
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown said: “I decided to defer sentence for a period of 12 months to enable you to carry out unpaid work in Germany.
“I was unable to impose a community payback order with a requirement for unpaid work outwith Scotland.
“Instead, you identified a charitable organisation based in Germany for whom you could carry out unpaid work.
“I requested an update in 12 months’ time on the amount of hours that you had completed and indicated that if you did not complete at least 200 hours of unpaid work in Germany within two years, it would be open to me to impose a custodial sentence.
“I am pleased to see that you have completed all of the hours within one year, despite the pandemic, which demonstrates that you have prioritised your unpaid work appropriately.”
The sheriff continued: “As you have acknowledged throughout, the offence of causing death by careless driving is one of the most serious driving offences and would usually attract a custodial sentence.
“It is clear from the victim impact statements that Mr Lewis was loved, respected and admired by those who were fortunate to have known him.
“His widow Mrs Lewis said that her husband was first and foremost a family man.
“He was a loving husband, father and stepfather, son, brother and grandad.
“Mrs Lewis and her son have both suffered psychologically as a result of Mr Lewis’ death.”
She said as a first offender, she could only impose a custodial sentence if no other was appropriate and the circumstances were such that an alternative is available.
The crash
Koischwitz , on holiday with his family, was looking to turn right as he searched for picnic site on the way to Inverness.
The sheriff said: “You looked straight ahead and saw that the road was clear.
“You looked to the left out of a matter of habit. You checked the rear view mirror.
“You then began a slow right hand manoeuvre, without checking straight ahead again.
“During the approximately four seconds between you last checking the road ahead was clear and you beginning your manoeuvre, Mr Lewis travelled down the road on his motorcycle and there was nothing he could do to avoid the collision.
“There was no suggestion of drink, drugs, tiredness, distraction, speeding or driving aggressively on your part.”
She pointed out Koischwitz tried to assist in the aftermath and accepted responsibility immediately.
“You expressed considerable remorse for the death of Mr Lewis.
“You expressed that in a letter that you wrote to Mr Lewis’ family and friends in English, which was read out to the court on 10 November 2020.
She said, having completed the unpaid work, she would admonish him.
Popular Dundonian
After the accident, Koischwitz wrote a letter to Mr Lewis’ family to be read to the court.
He said: “I admit the guilt and I do bear it.
“I cannot imagine the pain you are going through and I will never be able to understand the loss you suffer.
“Steven John Lewis, and you as his family and friends have been on my mind every day since the accident and will remain so.
“I am very sorry I caused this accident and apologise from the bottom of my heart”
Motorcyclists from Scotland and England travelled to Tayside to participate in a bike rideout, which took place before Mr Lewis’ funeral service at Dundee Crematorium.
His wife, Maureen Lewis said at the time: “Steve was very well liked, as can be seen by the number of cards and flowers I have received.”
As well as his ties with the biking community, Mr Lewis was also well known in powerlifting and bodybuilding circles.
In April 2017, after he lost five stone to make weight for a contest, Mr Lewis was invited to the International Bodybuilding and Fitness Association’s British finals.
