Burglary victim cleared of causing death of teen

A BURGLARY victim who chased down thieves after they stole motorbikes from his home has been found not guilty of causing one of their deaths in an ensuing chase.

- PAUL BRITTON & ANDREW BARDSLEY

The thief who was driving Dean Barnes on a stolen motorbike has been convicted. Barnes, 16, was riding as a pillion passenger when the bike he was travelling on crashed, while being pursued through Stockport by Callum Duncan.

Barnes was riding in a bike being driven by Adam Norman, which crashed after it clipped an innocent woman's car. He was killed instantly. Norman was 'lucky' and was able to walk away from the collision.

Mr Duncan, 28, was not accused of colliding with the bike being driven by Norman, but he was accused of contributing to the crash. After a two-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Mr Duncan, of Salisbury Street in Reddish, was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Norman, who had already admitted burglary, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Another man, Alexander Riley, who was out stealing the bikes with Norman and Barnes, has also admitted burglary.

Norman, 36, of no fixed address but from Brinnington and Riley 21, of Blackberry Lane in Brinnington; will be sentenced in September.

Tributes were paid to Barnes at the time of his death by his family. A loved one said: "He was such a daredevil but sweet boy and he will be truly missed on the estate.