An irresponsible act on an e-bike results in tragic consequences as a young man is sentenced for causing a death.
In a heartbreaking case that underscores the dangers of reckless driving, 20-year-old Dylan Green has been sentenced to eight years and three months in prison. This follows a tragic incident where his e-bike stunt resulted in the death of 86-year-old Bart O’Hare.
The collision occurred in March of last year in Burnley, Lancashire, when Green attempted a wheelie with his girlfriend as a passenger, only to crash into O’Hare. This incident is a stark reminder of how irresponsible choices on the road can have devastating consequences for families.
Details of the Incident
It was March 22, 2022, around 4:15 PM, when Green was spotted performing a wheelie on Accrington Road, showing a blatant disregard for the safety of others. Witnesses noted that the stunt lasted roughly 37 meters, which severely impaired his ability to see the road ahead.
Tragically, this reckless act led to a collision with Bart O’Hare, who had just stepped onto the road. Prosecutor Philip Astbury revealed that O’Hare was thrown into the air upon impact, sustaining critical injuries, including a fractured skull. Sadly, he passed away in the hospital days later.
After the crash, Green fled the scene on his e-bike, which has yet to be recovered. About 45 minutes later, he returned with two friends, one of whom suggested that O’Hare had darted into the path of the bike. However, this claim was swiftly disputed in court, where evidence clearly indicated that Green’s reckless behavior was directly linked to the tragedy.
Family Impact and Court Proceedings
During the proceedings at Preston Crown Court, O’Hare’s daughter, Marika Mausolf, confronted Green, sharing her deep grief and anger. She expressed, “Not once did you show any thought or concern for him after taking your girlfriend out on an illegal bike and pulling wheelies on the road with no consideration for my dad.” Her heartfelt testimony highlighted the profound impact Green’s actions had on their family.
At the time of the incident, Green was already on bail for drug-related charges. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving without insurance. Additionally, he admitted to supplying MDMA, which led to a concurrent sentence of 12 months in a young offenders’ institution. Judge Robert Altham stressed the importance of safety measures, pointing out that Green should have been wearing a helmet and had insurance while operating the bike.
Reactions and Consequences
Outside the courtroom, Sergeant Paul McCurrie expressed his sorrow over O’Hare’s tragic loss, stating, “Bart didn’t make it to the chip shop or home that night; instead, he was killed by Dylan Green’s reckless driving.” This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible driving and the profound effects it can have on innocent lives.
Green’s sentence reflects the justice system’s firm stance against such egregious behavior, with the hope of deterring others from similar acts of negligence. The loss of Bart O’Hare serves as a tragic reminder that reckless actions can lead to irreversible consequences, affecting not just those involved but entire families and communities.
