On a quiet spring afternoon in April 2023, tragedy struck on Croydon Road in Keston, south London. Daniel Redpath, a 25-year-old motorcyclist from Sumner Close in Orpington, was riding a rare classic Aprilia RX 125 off-road bike at speeds reaching up to 64mph—well above the 40mph speed limit—when he collided with 86-year-old Kunwar Singh as the elderly man crossed at a pedestrian crossing. The impact was fatal, and Singh, a married father of two, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:28pm, despite the efforts of bystanders who rushed to help. According to BBC and local court reports, Singh was just days away from celebrating his golden wedding anniversary, a milestone that would tragically never come to pass.
Redpath, who had left work early that day to do some DIY jobs for his mother, was not only speeding but also riding unlawfully. At the time of the crash, he held only a provisional driving licence and was not displaying the required L plates on the front of his bike. His full licence had previously been revoked after he accrued six penalty points within his first two years of qualifying—a detail that, as reported by The Guardian, highlighted a concerning pattern of disregard for road safety regulations. To make matters worse, the Aprilia motorbike lacked front indicators and a mirror, and its rear tyre was deemed unsuitable for highway use, all of which contributed to the dangerous circumstances on that fateful day.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, the court heard that just before the collision, Redpath overtook a transit tipper and was traveling at speeds between 48mph and 64mph, well above the legal limit. Prosecutor Anna Pope explained that Singh had been walking along Croydon Road and had made it part-way across the pedestrian crossing. It remains unclear whether Singh saw the approaching motorbike before stepping onto the eastbound carriageway, but Pope emphasized that it was Redpath’s responsibility to be aware of pedestrians and adjust his driving accordingly—especially given his speed, the condition of his vehicle, and the possibility that he had not been seen.
Redpath initially denied dangerous driving but admitted to the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving, as well as driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. When questioned by police at the scene, Redpath said he had seen Singh but thought the elderly man would stop and wait for him to pass. Instead, Singh walked out, and the collision occurred. Redpath’s previous conviction for driving while disqualified and the multiple endorsements on his licence painted a troubling picture of a young man repeatedly flouting the rules of the road.
At sentencing, Judge Richard Marks KC made it clear that Redpath’s actions constituted a “clear disregard for the rules of the road.” The judge remarked, “The offence is so serious that only immediate custody would do.” Redpath was jailed for one year and nine months—21 months in total—and disqualified from driving for three years from the time of his release. The judge’s words underscored the gravity of Redpath’s conduct and the devastating consequences for the Singh family.
The court proceedings were marked by moments of deep emotion. Judge Marks paid tribute to Mr Singh’s son and daughter, who delivered “heart-rending” victim impact statements. The judge acknowledged, “It is clear their father was hugely loved and respected.” The pain did not end with Singh’s death; his 80-year-old widow, who had been preparing to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, died in heartbreak shortly after losing her husband, as reported by The Independent. The ripple effects of the tragedy were felt far and wide, leaving a family shattered and a community mourning.
In mitigation, Redpath’s defense lawyer, Jade Gambrill, argued that the defendant had shown “significant remorse” and was suffering from flashbacks and feelings of self-harm. She relayed Redpath’s fears about prison, quoting him as saying, “I will either be someone I don’t recognise or I will not be here.” Gambrill also explained that Redpath had not sold his bike because he did not want anyone else to ride it, suggesting a complex relationship with the vehicle at the center of the tragedy.
Yet, Judge Marks was unconvinced by claims of genuine remorse. The judge highlighted that Redpath had initially sought to blame Singh for the accident and, perhaps most damningly, had posted Facebook messages “rejoicing” at the return of his bike about a year after the collision. The judge described these posts as “at the very least unattractive and not in accordance with remorse.” According to The Times, such behavior cast doubt on the sincerity of Redpath’s regret and reinforced the need for a custodial sentence.
The court also heard about the technical deficiencies of Redpath’s motorbike. The lack of front indicators and a mirror, combined with an unsuitable rear tyre, meant the vehicle was not fit for use on public roads. These mechanical issues, coupled with Redpath’s lack of a proper licence and disregard for safety requirements, created a perfect storm that culminated in disaster. The prosecution made it clear that Redpath’s responsibility extended beyond simply obeying the speed limit; he was expected to ensure both his own safety and that of others, especially vulnerable pedestrians like Singh.
Public reaction to the sentencing has been mixed. Some community members expressed relief that justice was served, while others questioned whether the sentence was sufficient given the loss of life and the circumstances leading up to the crash. Road safety advocates have pointed to the case as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drivers who ignore basic regulations and the devastating impact such behavior can have on families and communities.
As the dust settles on a case that has gripped south London, the memory of Kunwar Singh—a man described by his family as loving and respected—serves as a poignant reminder of the real human cost behind statistics on road fatalities. The story of Daniel Redpath and the events of April 18, 2023, will undoubtedly linger in the minds of those who seek safer streets and a more responsible driving culture.
Sometimes, the consequences of a single moment’s recklessness ripple out in ways no one could have predicted. For the Singh family, and for the wider community, the hope is that this tragedy will stand as a cautionary tale, prompting reflection and, perhaps, change.
