A pensioner just died after challenging a cyclist and his killer may walk free in years

Thomas Childe just got jailed for six years and eight months.

He killed a pensioner who challenged him for cycling on the pavement.

A judge at Leeds Crown Court sentenced him earlier today. Thomas Childe, 24, of Oak Crescent, Garforth, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Colin Starbuck was 79. He died after being attacked at a bus stop on Aberford Road in Garforth, next to a Tesco. That was about a year ago.

So what actually happened?

Colin Starbuck was waiting at the bus stop after shopping. Thomas Childe rode past him on the pavement. No lights on his bike. Colin Starbuck challenged him about it.

Thomas Childe swore at him and carried on.

But he did not just ride off.

He went to a cash machine at the nearby Tesco. Then he turned round. And he rode back.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC says he was quote "quite sure" Thomas Childe came back to find him.

That's a judge saying this was not an accident. He went back to find the old man again.

Thomas Childe rammed his bike into Colin Starbuck. A struggle followed. Colin Starbuck put Thomas Childe in a headlock.

Thomas Childe threw him. Full force. Into the bus stop's bay area.

Colin Starbuck's head hit the ground. He went into cardiac arrest. He was taken to hospital. And there, he died.

Colin Starbuck already had a heart condition. A pathologist told the court the cardiac arrest was down to the attack.

Thomas Childe left the scene.

Now, here's the thing. This case did not start as manslaughter.

Police arrested Thomas Childe on suspicion of murder, nine days after the attack. An 18-year-old man was arrested too, on the same suspicion. He was bailed pending further inquiries. Nobody has reported what became of that arrest since.