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Hit-and-run biker jailed over death of 81-year-old

POLICE SCOTLAND William Brown looking directly at the camera. He has grey hair. He is smiling. He is wearing a blue shirt, the collar of which can be seen, under a black jumper.POLICE SCOTLAND
William Brown died from his injuries after being struck by a stolen motorbike ridden by Steven Starrs

The rider of a stolen motorbike who struck and killed an elderly man crossing the street using a walking frame - then fled the scene - has been jailed.

Steven Starrs admitted causing the death of William Brown, 81, in Blackburn, West Lothian, in July last year.

The 39-year-old, who has never passed a driving test, fled after the crash and was later found hiding under a pile of clothes in a bedroom at a friend's house.

The judge told Starrs his criminal record was "appalling" and his actions were "cowardly" as she jailed him for seven years and four months at the High Court in Edinburgh,

Starrs had earlier admitted causing the death of Mr Brown by driving at an excessive speed in a residential area, failing to keep proper observations of the road ahead, failing to take evasive action and driving while disqualified.

The court heard Starrs was travelling at about 50mph on a stolen, orange motocross-style bike when he hit Brown on 12 July last year.

The speed limit in the residential area was 30mph.

A general view of Bathgate Road in Blackburn, West Lothian. There are cars parked on the right of the street. On both sides, there is pavement. A crossing island is in the background of the image.
Mr Brown was crossing Bathgate Road using a walking frame when he was struck by Starrs

Mr Brown, a father-of-two, was crossing Bathgate Road on his way to a local bowling club at the time of the incident.

The former school janitor who had also served in the RAF had given up bowling himself, but continued to attend the club on a social basis following the death of his long-term partner.

Judge Lady Ross said the club was "a place that meant a lot to him and where he would be among his many friends".

Mr Brown sustained "significant head trauma," bleeding on the brain, significant blood loss, internal pelvic and abdominal injuries, multiple rib fractures and a broken leg.

He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries four days later.

'Appalling' record

Starrs ran off from the scene after the crash and got into the back of a black Range Rover before he was driven away from the area.

Two days later police officers spotted Starrs wearing a face mask at a petrol station in Whitburn.

He drove off in a Ford EcoSport and failed to stop when officers pursued him with their blue lights activated.

Police abandoned their pursuit but later traced the vehicle to a car park.

They went to the address of one of Starrs' associates, where they discovered him hiding in a bedroom.

It later emerged Starrs was first convicted of driving offences when he was aged 16 and has been banned from driving six times.

He also amassed convictions for crimes of dishonesty, drug supply and possession of firearms.

Lady Ross described his criminal record as "appalling".

She told him she would have jailed him for longer had it not been for his guilty plea.

She said: "The sentence cannot measure the value of Mr Brown's life. No sentence can do that."