Heartbreaking Incident in Burnley đź’”
An elderly gentleman’s routine walk to pick up fish and chips turned tragic when 86-year-old Bart O’Hare was struck and killed by an e-bike rider doing a reckless wheelie. Dylan Green, 20, the rider at fault, was sentenced to over eight years in detention for his careless actions.
Green, with his girlfriend as a passenger, collided with Mr O’Hare after performing a wheelie on a bike capable of speeds up to 50mph. This thoughtless act left a family shattered beyond words. Mr O’Hare’s daughter, Marika, emotionally addressed the court, highlighting Green’s selfish actions and the deep impact on her family.
The court heard how Green, who was already on bail for drug offences, executed a 37-metre wheelie that entirely obstructed his view as he sped down Accrington Road. Although the exact speed wasn’t determined, it was considerably faster than all other traffic in the area. After the collision, Green and his girlfriend fled the scene on the bike, which has since disappeared.
Returning to the site with others 45 minutes later, Green was implicated by an acquaintance to police, although they suggested Mr O’Hare “ran out” in front of him. The cherished great-grandfather suffered critical injuries, ultimately leading to his passing days later.
In court, Green was called out for several infractions: lack of a helmet, missing L plates, no insurance, and carrying a passenger. Despite his defence mentioning remorse, the judge noted a lack of genuine contrition.
This incident stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of dangerous, illegal driving. Our thoughts are with the O’Hare family during this difficult time. Let’s all prioritise safety on the roads to prevent such tragedies from happening again. 🕊️