A BIKER who crashed head-on into another motor cyclist, who later died in hospital, has been convicted of causing his death by careless driving

Alan Taylor, 36, was on a Yamaha RI when he crossed onto the oncoming carriageway at a sharp bend on the A83 at Strone Point, near Inveraray, Argyllshire, in September 2013.

It smashed into a Honda Blackbird being ridden by father of two William Murray. He died in hospital from his injuries two days later.

Taylor was originally charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but at the High Court in Glasgow a jury found him guilty of a reduced charge of death by careless driving.

The court heard that Taylor, of Erskine, has previous convictions for speeding and using a mobile phone in his works van.

The kitchen fitter told the court that as he approached the bend, Mr Murray's was on his side of the road.

But a police expert said this only made sense if both were upright at the point of collision.

Nic Robertson, 53, a senior international correspondent for CNN, who was with friends in a car travelling to Mull, said they were overtaken by the bike ridden by Mr Murray at a "sensible pace" and on his side of the white line. He said he was hit by Taylor's bike which was on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Murray's partner of 24 years, Yvonne Kerr, 44, with whom he had two children, described him as her "soulmate and best friend." She added: "His death has left a big hole in our life."

Judge Lord Brodie deferred sentence on Taylor until later this month. He was allowed bail.