Tributes have been paid to a ‘loving family man’ who tragically lost his life after a road traffic collision.
Sixty-eight-year-old Kevin Peacock was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an off-road biker travelling in the wrong direction around a roundabout collided with his motorcycle.
Officers had been pursuing Connor Copse after spotting him driving erratically in Carlton Hill, Nottingham, on 6 May 2024.
Copse sped through red lights and travelled the wrong way down one-way streets before the pursuit was abandoned.
A short time later he collided with Mr Peacock in Broxtowe Lane, Broxtowe.
The 25-year-old attempted to flee the scene, but was arrested in a nearby garden.
He and Mr Peacock were both taken to hospital with serious injuries following the incident.
Mr Peacock, a father of two, died six weeks later in hospital on 12 June 2024.
Copse pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared in Nottingham Crown Court on 3 January 2025.
On Wednesday 10 September, he once again appeared at court, and was jailed for a total of 12 years and four months.
He was also disqualified from driving for 11 years.
Copse, formally of Welstead Avenue, Nottingham, was also sentenced for further offences including common assault and engaging in coercive behaviour.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Peacock’s family said:
“Kevin was a brilliant father to his son Lee and daughter Rachel, a perfect husband to Christine and a compassionate grandad to his 15 grandchildren.
“He was a one-of-a-kind and loving family man that always went the extra mile for his family and friends.
“Everyone who met Kevin easily became friends with him, and he was always there for anyone in their hour of need.
“He’d often be offering a helping hand to his neighbours, whether it was for help fixing a mower, or taking his elderly neighbour on weekly shopping trips.
“Kevin thought the world of his family and kept them very close to his heart, making sure all his grandchildren got exactly what they wanted at Christmas and birthdays.
“We will all miss him dearly.”
Collision Investigator Sarah Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“This tragic incident led to the death of a man greatly loved by his family and friends.
“What makes this case even worse is the fact that what happened was entirely avoidable. Mr Peacock did absolutely nothing wrong and was riding responsibly when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Copse on the other hand chose to ride in a way that placed other road users in danger even after he had been instructed to stop by our officers.
“This case should serve as a warning to others about the potential consequences of such careless behaviour on the roads.”
