Alana Armstrong: Driver cleared of murdering woman who was knocked off electric motorbike

20 June 2025, 12:58 | Updated: 20 June 2025, 14:54

A driver has been acquitted of murdering a 25-year-old mother who was knocked off the back of an electric motorbike.

Alana Armstrong, who had a six-year-old son, died at the scene on a country lane in Pleasley, Derbyshire.

Her boyfriend Jordan Newton-Kay, who was riding the electric motorbike, had his right leg amputated 15cm above the knee after the crash.

Prosecutors alleged that Keaton Muldoon had "pursued" the couple on 26 November 2024 but he was found not guilty of murder following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

The 23-year-old told the jury he "did not know" he had hit anyone while driving his Land Rover Discovery and thought he had overtaken the pair.

Muldoon said he feared he was going to be robbed but did not "chase" the Sur-Ron off-road bike after it had stopped by his 4x4 at a lay-by.

He had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving before the trial began in May.

The jury also cleared Muldoon of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Newton-Kay.

Muldoon - who the court heard was a drug dealer - was the father to a newborn baby at the time of the collision.

He said he lied to police that his uncle had possession of the Land Rover when the crash happened because he was "scared" about the murder investigation.

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Earlier this week, he told the jury: "My head was all over I didn't know what to think.

"I knew I wasn't going to see my children for a bit. I just had a newborn baby. I promised I would always be there."

His sentencing date is yet to be fixed by the court.

(c) Sky News 2025: Alana Armstrong: Driver cleared of murdering woman who was knocked off electric motorbike