Gordon Elliott Obituary, Death Derby, UK – A speeding motorcyclist has been found guilty of causing the death of a 92-year-old pedestrian in a tragic incident that occurred while he was overtaking a queue of traffic. Alfie Wheatley, 21, was clocked at 64 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck Gordon Elliott, who was crossing the road at the time. The incident took place as Wheatley was riding his Aprilia RS 125 motorcycle, overtaking a vehicle that was preparing to turn right. In a harrowing sequence of events, Wheatley collided with the car and subsequently struck Elliott, who was walking along the pavement on what was described as his “last journey” to a newsagent.
During the proceedings at Derby Crown Court, it was revealed that Elliott, a former serviceman and great-grandfather, was on his way to purchase a newspaper when the collision occurred. Eyewitness accounts and evidence presented in court indicated that Wheatley was traveling at excessive speeds, leaving him with little time to react when he encountered the vehicle making the turn. Judge Martin Hurst remarked on the severity of Wheatley’s actions, emphasizing that it was “perfectly clear” he had been driving recklessly. The judge noted, “You found yourself confronted with a vehicle turning right at almost no speed while you were doing speeds of between 50 mph and 60 mph.”
As the court deliberated the case, the tragic loss of Mr. Elliott, who is remembered fondly by his family, weighed heavily on the proceedings. The case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences that can arise from speeding. Wheatley is expected to face sentencing in the coming weeks, with the court considering the full impact of his actions on the victim’s family and the wider community.
