Home / Crime and Justice / Speeding biker jailed for killing pensioner
Speeding biker jailed for killing pensioner
22 Dec
Summary
- Joshua Findlay jailed four years for killing pensioner David Gow.
- Findlay was riding off-road bike at 69mph in 30mph zone.
- Biker banned from driving for eight years following conviction.
A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing the death of a pensioner by dangerous driving. Joshua Findlay, 25, fatally struck 79-year-old David Gow with his off-road motorbike on Balmore Road in Glasgow on February 12, 2023. Findlay was travelling at a speed of 69mph in a 30mph zone, significantly exceeding the speed limit. He also ran a red light and overtook a car.
During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lady Drummond highlighted that Mr Gow was a vulnerable road user and a "loving father and husband" who is "deeply missed." Findlay's motorcycle was not equipped with proper safety features and was not displaying its number plate. Collision investigators concluded that excessive speed and poor observation by Findlay caused the fatal incident, with no blame attributed to Mr Gow.
Findlay's acquaintance, Regan Shearer, who was riding another off-road bike at excessive speed, admitted dangerous driving and received a community payback order and a 12-month driving ban. Findlay himself, who only had a provisional motorcycle licence and had not completed compulsory basic training, was disqualified from driving for eight years.
