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27
Jul
Man admits causing death of former Olympian in Burnt Yates through careless driving
A man has admitted causing the death of a former Olympic athlete in Burnt Yates through careless driving.
William Langley, of Pateley Bridge, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (July 23) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Langley, 38, admitted one count of causing the death of Brad McStravick through careless driving on August 20, 2024.
Mr McStravick, 68, a two-time British decathlon champion, competed in the men's decathlon for Great Britain at the 1980 and 1984 summer Olympics. He also competed for Scotland at the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games.
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court that police were called to the B6165 at 6.30pm by Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
Ms Tyrer said Mr McStravick was riding a bicycle westbound up the hill from the junction with Pye Lane towards Burnt Yates, where he was 10 minutes from home.
He was overtaken by a taxi and shortly afterwards a blue transit van, which Langley was driving, approached him, the court heard.
Ms Tyrer said:
For unknown reasons, he [Langley] did not see him. He collided with the back of the bicycle and Mr McStravick ended up in a ditch.
Mr McStravick was airlifted to hospital where he later died from his injuries, the court heard.
Ms Tyrer said Langley had a 16 second gap to notice the 68-year-old, but failed to do so.
She told the court:
The accident that led to him being killed was caused by Mr Langley. He failed to slow for the road conditions and failed to react to his [Mr McStravick’s] presence.
Martin Townend, defending, offered no mitigation to the court at this stage.
He requested that the case be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Magistrates adjourned the case to be heard at York Magistrates Court on September 2, 2026, where Langley will appear for a sentencing hearing.
He was banned from driving until that date.
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