Speeding motorcyclist killed 92-year-old pedestrian

Alfie Wheatley, 21, was driving at almost double the speed limit, police said

An uninsured motorcyclist has been jailed for killing a 92-year-old man when he lost control of his bike and crashed into him.

Alfie Wheatley had been riding his Aprilia motorbike at almost double the speed limit in Riddings, Derbyshire, when he hit pedestrian Gordon Elliott on 19 August 2023, police said.

As he went to overtake a queue of traffic, Wheatley collided with the front of a car and lost control, with both him and the bike striking the great-grandfather - who was taking his regular mile-long walk to his local post office and newspaper shop.

Mr Elliot died in hospital, and on Friday, Wheatley was jailed for six years at Derby Crown Court after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Derbyshire Police said Wheatley, 21, of Spring Road in Riddings, was caught on CCTV riding his motorbike in a "reckless" manner with a "callous disregard for anyone else", as he travelled at 52mph (83km/h) in a 30mph (48km/h) zone.

As he approached Greenhill Lane, he failed to see a Jaguar turning right and collided with the front of it as he attempted to overtake the queue of traffic, before fatally hitting Mr Elliot.

'Last fateful journey'

Mr Elliot left behind three sons, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, but "the saddest aspect" was leaving his wife of almost 70 years, Brenda, his family said.

They described Mr Elliot as his wife's "soul mate, her rock for financial stability and mental support through their old age".

The family statement added: "She feels lost, bewildered and questions why this terrible event happened to him.

"Many people who did not know Gordon would think that a 92-year-old man passing away would not come as much of a surprise, but Gordon was a determined man who often spoke of reaching 100 years old and getting his letter from the Queen, whom he had proudly served whilst in the armed forces.

"Gordon was still very active as demonstrated by his last fateful journey, walking the mile to his local post office and newspaper shop in Riddings, where he and Brenda had lived all their married life.

"For Gordon to die so suddenly we could accept, but to be taken so tragically and horrifically, we unfortunately cannot and we as a family hope that justice is served not just for Gordon, but for all the good people who should be able to enjoy a walk in their local village without fear of being taken away."