Lewis Baker, 35, of Tadmarton, Milton Keynes, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court today (July 10) to 15 months’ imprisonment and a driving disqualification of ten years.

Baker pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and was found not guilty by a jury of one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

On September 9, 2023, Baker rode his motorbike through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire at dangerous speeds for sustained periods of time.

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His riding often exceeded 130mph on A roads and at times it exceeded 160mph, putting himself and other road users at serious risk of harm.

Baker himself stated to the courts that he had driven like a “menace”.

Senior investigator, Philip Hanham of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Dangerous riding puts lives at risk and can have the most devastating consequences.

“Baker’s riding was appalling and is the worst I have seen on a motorbike in all my 30 years as a police officer and investigator.

“Baker showed total disregard to the law, other road users’ safety.

“On day of this appalling riding, Baker was filming his dangerous riding with the intention of sharing with others. This showed his intent to ride in the dangerous manner that he was rightly sentenced for today.

“This case serves as a stark reminder that everyone who uses our roads has a responsibility to do so safely. Dangerous behaviour can and does change lives forever.”

Edwina Currie has stated “God help us all”, after a murder investigation was launched into the death of her former Oxford neighbour Ann Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old, who once served as a Conservative prisons minister, later sat in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before going on to become a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

Before her frontline political career, she studied Latin at Birmingham University, then moved on to philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, where she became active in the Oxford Union.

Police confirmed that officers are currently searching for a white male suspect believed to be responsible.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched into death of Ann Widdecombe

Edwina Currie. (Image: Tony Iley)

Edwina Currie, a former Tory minister, began her Westminster career at the same time as Ms Widdecombe, with both later serving in junior roles under John Major’s premiership.

As young women at Oxford, the pair occupied neighbouring rooms in student accommodation, building a friendship that endured well beyond their days at Lady Margaret Hall and into their political careers.

Responding to the launch of the murder inquiry, Ms Currie told followers on social media platform X that she was “full of horror” over the events.

She said: “A frail 78-year-old lady, and they’re looking for a white male. God help us all.”

Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

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Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.”

The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

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In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

Dean, whose surname has not been released by Thames Valley Police, was last seen in the Cowley area of the city on Wednesday (July 1).

He is now believed to be in the central Oxford area, according to officers working the case.

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The 38-year-old is described as a white male, 5’9″ of stocky build with brown hair. Dean has tattoos on his neck.

An appeal was released to the public from Thames Valley Police on Friday afternoon (July 10), including a photograph of the missing man.

The accompanying statement said: “Have you seen Dean?

“We are concerned for the well-being of Dean, so if you have any relevant information or have seen him, please call us on 101, referencing 43260342263.”