Burglary Victim, Accomplice Deny Causing Death of Teenage Thief in Stolen Bike Crash

Callum Duncan, a burglary victim, and Adam Norman are on trial accused of causing death by dangerous driving following a chase after three burglars stole motorbikes from Duncan's shed in Stockport. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 24, 2023, when Duncan pursued the thieves in his car, leading to a crash that killed 16-year-old Dean Barnes, who was a pillion passenger on one of the stolen bikes. Barnes, Norman, and another man, Alexander Riley, had broken into the shed using drills and bolt croppers, targeting bikes after seeing one for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Norman and Riley have admitted to burglary, while both Duncan and Norman deny causing death by dangerous driving. Prosecutors emphasized that Barnes was an active participant in the burglary and that his involvement in the crime ultimately led to his death. The court heard that the stolen bikes belonged to Duncan and his family and friends, and the chase involved high speeds in a residential area, with Duncan reaching up to 36 mph in a 20 mph zone.