92-year-old pedestrian was killed in Riddings after a motorcyclist, riding nearly twice the speed limit, lost control and struck him.
The incident occurred on the morning of August 19, 2023, on Greenhills Lane, as the victim, Gordon Elliott, was walking to a nearby shop.
Elliott, a well-liked great-grandfather, was known in his community as an active, determined man who had served in the armed forces and often spoke of his goal to live to 100.
The tragic collision ended his daily walk to the post office, a routine he kept up even in his old age.
According to family statements, Elliott leaves behind his wife Brenda, his partner of nearly 70 years, and a large family who continue to mourn his sudden and preventable death.
“We 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,” his family said in a statement.
The motorcyclist, Alfie Wheatley, 21, was captured on CCTV speeding in the area before the incident, despite knowing his Aprilia motorbike had mechanical issues. Witnesses say Wheatley was traveling around 52 mph in a 30 mph zone when he tried to overtake a line of cars and failed to see a Jaguar turning right in front of him.
Wheatley collided with the front of the car, lost control of his bike, and struck Elliott on the pavement. Members of the public and emergency services treated Elliott at the scene, but he later died in the hospital from his injuries.
Wheatley, of Spring Road, Riddings, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
On October 25, he was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to the offense in Derby Crown Court.
Detective Constable Scott Cooper, who led the investigation, described Wheatley’s driving as “horrendous,” adding that his uninsured, reckless behavior cost Elliott his life. “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 to acknowledge the consequences of his behavior on that day,” Cooper stated.
