An uninsured motorcyclist who killed a 92-year-old pedestrian after crashing at almost double the speed limit has been jailed.
Alfie Wheatley was captured on CCTV repeatedly speeding on his Aprilia motorbike on the morning of 19 August 2023.
His reckless riding continued as he approached Greenhill Lane in Riddings with footage showing he was travelling at around 52 mph in a 30mph area.
As he went to overtake a queue of traffic, he failed to see a Jaguar turning right.
The 21-year-old then collided with the front of the car and lost control with both him and the bike hitting great-grandfather Gordon Elliott as he walked along the pavement to his local shop.
Members of the public and emergency services treated Mr Elliott for serious injuries at the scene, but he died later in hospital.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mr Elliott’s family said: “Gordon Elliott was a well-liked, caring family man.
“He leaves three sons, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren that mourn and miss him daily but the saddest aspect through all this is seeing Brenda, a loving wife of nearly 70 years lose her soul mate, her rock for financial stability and mental support through their old age.
“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.”
Wheatley, of Spring Road, Riddings, was arrested at the scene for causing death by dangerous driving.
He was subsequently charged and admitted the offence. He appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on 25 October where he was jailed for six years.
Detective Constable Scott Cooper, who led the investigation, said: “Wheatley’s driving in the lead up to this collision was horrendous, particularly given that he was uninsured.
“His speeding and reckless behaviour resulted in the needless death of Mr Elliott who had absolutely no chance to avoid the collision.
“This incident has understandably had an utterly devastating impact on his family, in particular Brenda – his wife of 70 years.
“While he may have been 92, Mr Elliott was full of life and had so many things that he wanted to do. He was very much looking forward to the future and was determined to make it to his milestone birthday.
“Sadly because of Wheatley’s callous disregard for anyone else on that day he never managed to do that, and his family were robbed of their loved one in the cruellest way.
“No sentence will ever make up for the loss of Mr Elliott to his family but I hope that the time in prison will allow Wheatley the opportunity to acknowledge the consequences of his behaviour on that day and act as a reminder that all drivers and riders take on a huge responsibility when they take to the roads.”
