Prison for uninsured motorcyclist who was 'careless' in crash that killed grandfather

Stuart Lee Bird was doing almost twice the 30mph limit in the outside lane of the dual carriageway in Bridge Street, Castleford, when he hit grandfather Paul Wood as he crossed the road in September, 2008.

Although he held a full driving licence for a car, he only had a provisional motorcycle licence allowing him to ride bikes up to 125cc. At the time of the collision he was riding a powerful 750cc Suzuki.

Philip Adams, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday that other drivers noticed the bike because of the sound of the engine, with two witnesses saying they passed comments at the time that he was driving "like an idiot."

An accident investigator who looked at CCTV footage estimated Bird was doing around 57.6mph leading up to the point of impact.

His speedometer was also later found to be defective, measuring only in kilometres and not miles per hour, contravening regulations. Bird told police he had adapted it with pen showing the speed in miles but it had washed away.

Mr Wood, from Tadcaster, was visiting family in Castleford and had walked his youngest granddaughter to school before going shopping in Castleford Market.

Mr Adams said it was not clear whether the 58-year-old saw the bike and thought he had time to cross or never saw it.

The impact of the collision flung him across the road, and he suffered fractures to his pelvis and leg. He was airlifted to Pinderfields Hospital and later transferred to hospital in Sheffield where he had a number of operations. But due to complications, Mr Wood died on October 30.

Bird, 34 of Wheldon Road, Castleford admitted causing Mr Wood's death by careless driving, having no insurance and without a correct driving licence.

Jailing Bird and disqualifying him for four years, Judge Rodney Grant he said there were aggravating features to the case above the speed. He had been fined before for having no insurance and had indicated to a probation officer that he had no licence or insurance in 2008.

John Nixon for Bird said he felt dreadful and had had suicidal thoughts since the accident.