Biker jailed over tree death of passenger

A TRAIL biker whose pillion passenger was thrown against a tree and died after he lost control on a forest path was yesterday jailed for two years and eight months.

Bruce Lamb's off-road Honda machine was designed to carry only a rider, but George Keddie, 21, climbed on the back and they roared through trees at Balmashanner Hill, Forfar, with two other youths on a second bike.

Lamb, 27, hit a verge at a bend and ran into a tree. Mr Keddie, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the tree and suffered fatal brain injuries.

At the High Court in Edinburgh Lamb, of Graham Crescent, Forfar, admitted causing Mr Keddie's death by dangerous driving on 19 March last year.

The judge, Lord Kinclaven, told Lamb: "Those who drive dangerously must realise that all too often the consequence is tragedy."