death of Craig Astwood by dangerous driving.

But Adelle Laura Roberts was fined $350 for an alternative charge of careless driving.

The seven-man, five-woman jury reached the unanimous verdicts after an hour of deliberation.

And Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller was forced to reprimand an onlooker in the gallery who shouted a triumphant "Yes'' as the verdict was read.

The charges stemmed from a 1996 road traffic accident at the junction of Horseshoe and South roads, Southampton.

Shortly before noon on September 10, Roberts was driving west along South Road in a light van. Mr. Astwood was travelling in the opposite direction on a black Suzuki motorcycle.

The two vehicles collided as Roberts made a right turn into Horseshoe Road.

Earlier in the trial, jury members heard grim details regarding Mr. Astwood's fatal neck injuries.

But Roberts said she had taken every necessary precaution before making the turn and never saw Astwood's cycle. Defence lawyer Mark Diel described Roberts as a "hardworking'' and "conscientious'' person.

"The jury has heard from Mrs. Roberts' own mouth how this has affected her.'' he said.

"She underwent one year in counselling, it obviously had a tremendous impact.

"There is no question the outcome was tragic. It is not uncommon for people to have a moment of inattention. This particular moment had a tragic outcome.'' Roberts has had no previous convictions for careless driving.

"Throughout the proceedings, Mrs. Roberts has expressed the utmost remorse,'' noted Justice Wade-Miller.

Mrs. Wade-Miller also extended the court's condolences to Mr. Astwood's family.

A small crowd of Roberts' friends and family members lined up to congratulate and hug a clearly elated Roberts as she left the dock.

The 34-year-old mother of one declined to comment as she left the court.

"Just say she's happy,'' said one of her supporters.