Driver gets probation in 2021 Belchertown crash that killed motorcyclist

BELCHERTOWN — The driver of a car that hit a motorcyclist, killing him and badly injuring his passenger, in 2021 pleaded guilty Thursday before Eastern Hampshire District Court Judge Tina Cafaro to a single charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, the Northwestern district attorney’s office reported.

The May 15, 2021, crash on Route 9 in Belchertown near the Ware town line claimed the life of Niles N. Robbins, 46, of the Hampden County town of Wales, who was riding a 2018 Harley Davidson motorcycle. A passenger on the motorcycle, a 52-year-old woman, was treated at Mary Lane Hospital for serious injuries, according to the DA’s office.

State Police investigators later determined that Aleksandr Saykin, 59, of East Longmeadow, was at fault for the crash. Saykin was driving his SUV east on Route 9 when he made a left turn into the path of Robbins’ oncoming motorcycle, police said. This caused Robbins to abruptly apply his brakes, lose control of his motorcycle, skid and crash into the SUV. As required by state law, Saykin’s license was suspended immediately.

At Thursday’s change of plea hearing, Cafaro sentenced Saykin, of East Longmeadow, to three years probation. Conditions of probation are that Saykin not operate a motor vehicle, that he not seek reinstatement of his license, that he complete a safe driver course, and that he perform 100 hours of community service.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington and Springfield defense lawyer Charles Dolan jointly recommended the sentence to Cafaro. Covington informed the judge that Robbins’ family agreed with the joint sentencing recommendation. Four of Robbins’ family members spoke in court about the impact his death has had on their lives.

“These are amongst the most difficult cases to craft a fair sentence. Mr. Saykin’s split-second, poor decision cost Mr. Robbins his life and his passenger to suffer serious injuries,” Covington said. “The Commonwealth appreciates Mr. Saykin’s willingness to accept responsibility for his actions.”

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