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Wednesday, 9th July 2008

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Trail-biker jailed over passenger's death



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A TRAIL-BIKER whose passenger was thrown against a tree and killed after he lost control on a forest path was jailed for two years, eight months yesterday.
Bruce Lamb's off-road Honda was designed to carry only a rider, but George Keddie, 21, climbed on the back and they roared through the trees at Balmashanner Hill, Forfar, with two other youths on a second bike.

Lamb, 27, hit a verge at a bend and then ran into a tree. He and Mr Keddie were thrown forward. He landed to the side of the tree, but Mr Keddie's head struck it. He was not wearing a helmet, and suffered fatal brain injuries.

The High Court in Edinburgh was told Lamb, of Forfar, had not thought it would be dangerous for Mr Keddie to be a passenger.

Lamb, who had bought the bike only three weeks earlier, admitted causing Mr Keddie's death by dangerous driving on 19 March last year. He was injured, suffering a ruptured spleen and three broken ribs.

The judge, Lord Kinclaven, said there was nothing the court could do to ease the pain felt by Mr Keddie's family and friends.

He told Lamb: "Those who drive dangerously must realise that all too often the consequence is a profound, fatal tragedy such as occurred here."





The full article contains 223 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 15 April 2008 10:02 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Neanderthal75,

Rocky Mountains USA 16/04/2008 02:11:06
Hello All,

What nonsense this is!

There are MAJOR problems in logic, ethics, and morality, concerning the Judge's verdict and sentencing of the man.

No alcohol was involved. A lack of proper judgment was the Judge's main theme for sentencing the man to prison. What about the judgment of the man who died? Was there no responsibility for him?

None? Oh I see, because the rider survived the unforeseen crash, he has 'bad luck' to be blamed for the whole affair.

Did the passenger not note that the bike was a single rider model?
Did the passenger not have the opportunity to simply say 'no' to riding on the bike?
Did the driver force the passenger to ride along?

Until courts get it through their thick heads that ALL individuals MUST take responsibility for their actions (including passengers), then travesties of justice such as this ridiculous verdict will take place.

This is yet another example of a social progressive/politically correct mindset: blame anyone you want, but make sure you do NOT blame those in certain categories.

The sp/pc mindset refuses to live in reality: it depends solely upon THEORY and stays as far away from reality as possible.

This judge should be ashamed of what he has done: causing yet more harm to a man who already must live with the loss of a good friend, and that his friend died because he was no conversant enough with trail riding.

Cheers from the Rockies
2

Allan(handofgod137),

16/04/2008 10:35:23
#1 Have to agree with you, also as the accident did not take place on a public ROAD, the road traffic act would not apply, so what legislation was the guy charged under?
3

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 16/04/2008 11:00:33
As far as I can make out, if the passenger had been wearing a helmet, he probably would have survived.
4

Biker,

Ayr 17/04/2008 19:37:40
Naenderthal. Dont agree. Unfortunately our laws are set to accomodate the lowest common denomonator. Sadly someona acrtualy died on this occasion and it reflects poorly on the rest of us "normal" bikers. Our roads and pathways are not like the US or Canada. They are severely congested and dangerous, so the law takes the view that over legislating is the way to control. I personally dissagree but there for the grace of god ect.
5

Neanderthal75,

Rocky Mountains USA 18/04/2008 06:47:42
Hey Biker,

You and I agree on some things and disagree on others, but on this, let me make one clear distinction and suggestion:

The distinction is that regardless of what the politicians want in either the UK or America, the PEOPLE should be wanting laws in place which are empirically and realistically viable, NOT based upon politics and certainly not upon Politically Correct dogmas of an Elitist Minority.

My suggestion is that Scots/Brits need to begin to file lawsuits based upon the deep stats databases, concerning injuries and fatalities for those riding bikes (motorcycles). A solid group of Actuaries need to be hired to decipher the numbers, to the point that no matter how much emotional blackmail the PC Elitists use against the People, the FACTS in the lawsuit will provide enough power to convince voters at the polls and any honest judge still sitting, that PC laws MUST be abandoned.

Lastly, there is a definite difference between right and wrong, coupled with INTENT, and the Land of Theory (which is where this idiot judge and 99% of professional politicians reside). The PC'ers have created laws and societal pressures, which are based almost solely in the Land of Theory; to the detriment of all and sundry.

I remember quite well, when I was still healthy and able to ride full time, that I was eager to get every moment I could in the saddle (I still miss my 84 Yamaha Venture Royale, a sweeter machine have I never ridden. A Full Dresser that performed like a Sport Bike in every way-but with Cruise Control, AM/FM Stereo, Tape player with auto reverse, on board air compressor for Air Ride changes, and of course, smooth shaft drive).

Oh man, do I ever miss her-and the ability to ride her.

Biker, enjoy your rides while you can, cause all too soon, time will inform you that 'those days' are over. Stay safe and keep the idiots on 4 wheels as confused as possible.

Cheers from the Rockies
6

Biker,

Ayr 18/04/2008 19:06:26
I take your points well neanderthal but consider:-
We vote in the politcians to create and utilise the laws for us. I would agree that many are stupid and unworkable and should be reconsidered.
The stats are well understood in this country but are regularly hijacked by the anti lobby and spun. It takes some time to understand the infor but generaly it points to bikes being safer than most people think. Sadly with our "Ned" culture and idiots riding at 150 +mph the odds are stacked agains us, and I guess this fool with the off road bike is paying the price for that.
Sorry to hear that you dont ride anymore, it must be hard for you. Sounds like a sweet bike. I was in Atlanta last year and went riding around the Appalachian Mountains with a mate. Did I ever enjoy that, the best days riding ever. Wonderfull country with good friends, what a joy.
Sadly as I stated our roads are not built for the traffic now and huge care is required.
Good luck to you my friend and I hope you get to experience the pleasure again.

Happiness from Scotland

 

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