Pensioner in court over death of 15-year-old cyclist

Heather Butler, 67, is accused of being over the drink-drive limit when she hit 15-year-old Sam Brown’s bike with her Audi A4 as he cycled along the B1230 Hull Road at Eastrington last September.

A friend, also 15, who was cycling with Sam, was hospitalised after suffering broken bones.

Butler, of Knedlington House, Knedlington, has been charged with causing death by careless driving while over the legal limit for alcohol, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report an accident.

The court was told an early guilty plea had been indicated by the defendant. The case was sent to Hull Crown Court and adjourned until April 8.

Butler, who did not speak during a brief appearance yesterday at Beverley Magistrates, was given unconditional bail. She is expected to enter a formal plea at her next court appearance.

Following the tragedy, the youngster was described by his headteacher at Howden School as a “real character” and a “loyal and caring friend”.

Headteacher Garry Garghan said “happy-go-lucky” Sam possessed “that rare gift of genuine charm” and was an “honest, nice lad”.

The boys were cycling to Gilberdyke from Howden when the accident happened close to the Rose and Crown pub on September 6.