A cowardly hit and run motorcyclist who knocked down a boy on a busy Dundee street before running away, left his shoe and cartoon-adorned helmet at the scene.
Stephen Bell, 36, left his 15-year-old victim with a fractured eye socket and cheek bone and multiple grazes and cuts after ploughing into him at high speed on Charleston Drive.
Members of the public spotted dangerous driver Bell rev his Kawasaki bike before the collision with the youngster.
One witness tried to keep Bell at the scene but he was able to make his escape after removing himself from his hi-viz jacket.
However, the hapless rider left behind his left trainer, visor and distinctive crash helmet – adorned with popular children’s cartoon bird Tweety Pie.
Incriminating pictures were found on Bell’s Facebook page and he was arrested, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.
High-speed collision
Depute fiscal Lynn Mannion told the court: “The incident happened on Charleston Drive, about 200 metres east of Elmwood Road.
“The road is relatively wide, with single carriageway heading in both directions.
“At around 5.25pm the complainer was cycling eastwards on the south pavement on his BMX bike.
“He checked to see the road was clear and safe.
“He began to cycle across Charleston Drive.
“As he reached the middle of the road he noticed a flash of light to his left side.
“He began to speed up as he believed a motorcycle was approaching.
“He was almost at the north kerb when he was struck on his left side and knocked off his bike.”
Snared by Facebook pics
The court heard the accused was first spotted lying on the ground close to his bike.
He then picked himself up and tried to start the vehicle.
A witness took hold of him but he removed his vest top and was able to run away in the direction of Elmwood Road.
A left shoe, visor and motorcycle helmet were left at the scene.
Police arrived and a dog was used to search for Bell, using his shoe.
A right shoe was later found, along with a hi viz vest.
They visited the victim’s home and spoke to his father, who had conducted his own inquiries and passed on details of a Facebook page named Bell Bell Kirkton.
It showed Bell on the bike and wearing the trainers recovered from the scene.
Bell, of Craigmore Street, admitted driving dangerously and at speed on a motorcycle before striking a 15-year-old boy to his serious injury on November 11 2020.
He will return for sentencing on January 10 and his bail was continued.
