Man jailed after best friend killed in illegal e-bike crash on the Wirral
Leon Jones hit Spencer Crofts after doing a wheelie while speeding through the Woodchurch Estate
A man has been jailed after admitting causing the death of his best friend in a crash involving illegal electric bikes in Wirral.
Leon Jones, 20, of Ford Way, Upton, was sentenced at court after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The court heard that on 30th November 2024, Jones was riding an illegal electric bike on Hoole Road, Woodchurch Estate, when it was involved in a crash with another bike ridden by 17 year old Spencer Crofts.
Evidence presented to the court showed the bikes were being ridden on a public road in a dangerous manner, and CCTV footage of the crash was played during proceedings.
The court was told Jones's bike was travelling at speeds estimated between 27mph and 33mph in a 20mph zone and had been performing a wheelie immediately before the crash.
Evidence also established he had used cannabis before the incident.
The electric bike ridden by Jones was never recovered after it was removed from the scene before police arrived.
Jones was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
He was also disqualified from driving for five years, with the ban starting on his release from custody, along with an extended re-test.
He was separately sentenced for an arson offence committed on 28th June 2026 involving a mobility scooter belonging to a man whose wife was seriously ill and receiving end-of-life care inside their home.
The court imposed consecutive sentences, resulting in a total custodial term of five years and 10 months.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, of Merseyside Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Spencer Crofts, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of this incident.
"This case demonstrates the very real dangers associated with the use of illegal and unroadworthy vehicles on our roads. Tragically, the actions of those involved resulted in the loss of a young life.
"The defendant and Spencer were described as best friends, making the outcome all the more upsetting.
"Merseyside Police will not tolerate the dangerous use of illegal bikes on our roads and in our communities. We hope this sentence serves as a warning to others about the potentially devastating consequences of such behaviour."