Yorkshire motorcyclist admits killing pedestrian two days into trial

A biker has admitted killing a pedestrian in Leeds two days into his trial.

Reece Manley had no licence and was speeding on a Kawasaki when he killed pensioner Alan Lloyd on the Beeston Ring Road in 2022, a jury heard.

The 26-year-old was standing trial at Leeds Crown Court this week after he denied causing death by dangerous driving.

But on day two he admitted the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving, which was accepted by the Crown. The jury was then discharged.

Manley had previously admitted charges of having no licence or insurance.

He was granted bail but will return to court on September 2 to be sentenced.

Opening the case for the prosecution on Tuesday, Christopher Rose said Manley was not insured to ride a bike with the power of the Kawasaki.

It was estimated from CCTV footage that he hit speeds of between 65-74 mph in the 40 zone, just two miles before the collision which caused the death of Mr Lloyd on the A6610 on the evening of March 26, 2022.

The jury heard how Mr Lloyd had three pints at a Wetherspoons pub in Bingley with a friend before making his way home to East Ardsley, when the collision took place.

West Yorkshire Police quickly attended and provided CPR at the scene but he was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary.

The impact of the crash caused the bike to slide for 81 metres along the road and experts calculated that it hit the road surface at a speed of between 49-60 mph, Mr Rose told the jury.