Boy, 14, detained for scrambler crash killing

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy who killed a “kind and caring” grandmother in a hit-and-run scrambler bike crash has been detained for three years.

The youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, previously admitted causing the death of May Laidlaw, 78, by dangerous driving.

Mrs Laidlaw was struck as she crossed the road underneath the flyover at the junction of Queens Drive and Moor Lane in Walton, Liverpool, on the afternoon of December 2.

The boy, from Liverpool, rode off from the scene but was arrested by police two days later. Yesterday he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court and will serve half his sentence in a young offender institution and the remainder on licence.

Following sentencing, Det Insp Mark Drew, of Merseyside Police, said: “This was an absolutely tragic incident in which Mrs Laidlaw, who was simply crossing the road, was struck by a motorbike whose rider callously rode off leaving her seriously injured on the ground.

“Our thoughts today turn to the friends and family of Mrs Laidlaw – her husband of 58 years and children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

“Merseyside Police will not tolerate the criminal, or anti-social use of scrambler or quad bikes.

“Sometimes the riders of these bikes don’t understand the consequences and that they could seriously harm, or – as in this case – even kill, another member of the public through their reckless driving.

“Some riders are very young and I would appeal to their parents and relatives not to let them buy these bikes in the first place and discourage their children from being tempted to get on to the back of one.”