Suffolk man denies causing motorcyclist's death following crash in Theberton
He'll stand trial next year
A Suffolk man's pleaded not guilty to causing a motorcyclist's death whilst driving under the influence of drugs.
57 year old William Kerslake was killed on 27th June last year, after a silver Ford Fiesta collided with his Ducati motorbike on the B1122 near Theberton, at the junction with Potter's Street.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an appearance at Ipswich Crown Court, 37 year old Stuart Burrows, from Saxmundham, was released on bail.
He's due to stand trial in September 2025.
"A kind, loving and selfless man"
William's family issued a tribute to him shortly after his death last year: "There are no words to describe the pain and grief that the whole family is feeling at this time.
"We are all so proud of what Will achieved in his life, but are even more proud of the man he was. Will was a kind, loving and selfless man, who gained the respect, love and admiration of the family, and community as a whole.
"Will began his working life as a bricklayer, before going on to start his own business, this expanded to what is now Kerslake construction Ltd, a successful local construction company over the past 30 years, to which Will owned and directed.
"The extreme success of his business over this period is down to high standards and quality of work, along with the friendly and personable touch of the employees, all of which come back to Will, and his character and leadership.
"This family run business comprises of nephews, brothers in law and friends alike, all of who mourn the loss of our dear Will who simply cannot be replaced.
"Outside of work, Will had many hobbies. Will loved luxurious holidays with fiancée Jane, mountain biking in Dunwich and Tunstall forest with friends and family, yearly trips to Wales on his motorbike and trips all over the UK shooting.
"Will was also the chairman of Halesworth Town football club and loved watching local football, following sons Ryan and Toby every Saturday for the last 15 years.
"Will simply loved to help and make a positive difference in the lives of people in the local community, we know he has already achieved this aim.
"Will was the rock of the family"
"Although Will lived a life of success, both in business and personal ventures, he also suffered with his own grief.
"Will has lost his Sister (Angie), brother in law (Danny), Nephew (Jamie), partner and mother to sons (Beverly), mother (Erna), and in more recent times brother (John) and father (Stanley).
"Throughout these awful times of often tragedy, Will was the rock of the family, putting himself in situations of discomfort and distress to protect the family he so much adored. This was Will's selfless nature in clear view.
"Will leaves behind partner of 22 years fiancée Jane, sons Toby and Ryan, step sons Kirt and Kain and their own children Rory and Tyler, who he loved to look after in more recent years, and who without doubt, loved him wholeheartedly.
"He also leaves behind sister Jackie, nephew's Stuart and Reggie and niece Rebecca, who, among many others will miss Will's charm and kindness forevermore."