Garforth Man Jailed for Manslaughter Following Bus Stop Altercation

Thomas Childe, 24, has been jailed for six years and eight months at Leeds Crown Court for the manslaughter of 79-year-old Colin Starbuck. The sentencing follows an investigation by the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team into a fatal confrontation at a bus stop in Garforth. 

Escalation at the Bus Shelter 

The incident occurred on the evening of 29 October 2025 on Aberford Road, near the Tesco supermarket. The court heard that Mr Starbuck was at a bus stop when he challenged Childe, who was riding a bicycle on the pedestrian pavement. 

A verbal argument broke out between the two. During the altercation, Childe purposely rammed his bike into Mr Ramsgate and threw the pensioner with full force from the pavement into the bus stop’s bay area, causing Mr Starbuck to strike his head. Childe then fled the scene. Passersby and motorists came to the victim’s aid, and emergency services were called. Paramedics administered treatment at the scene, but despite being rushed to the hospital, Mr Starbuck was pronounced dead later that day. 

Causal Link Established by Pathologists 

Childe, of Oak Crescent, Garforth, was identified by detectives using local CCTV footage. While he was initially arrested and charged with murder, medical investigations shifted the nature of the prosecution. 

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Starbuck had an underlying heart condition and suffered a cardiac arrest during the assault. Forensic pathologists established a direct causal link proving that the cardiac arrest was attributable to the stress and physical trauma of Childe’s attack. Confronted with the evidence while held on remand, Childe denied murder but entered a guilty plea to manslaughter at a hearing in March. The court was also informed that Childe has a history of a personality disorder, possibly exacerbated by cannabis use. 

Impact and Police Response 

In a victim impact statement, Mr Starbuck’s relatives shared the devastating toll of the incident, stating: “Our family feel distraught and distressed by the loss.” 

Following the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Matt Holdsworth released a statement via West Yorkshire Police.   

Detective Superintendent Matt Holdsworth emphasized that the comprehensive police investigation successfully proved Childe’s responsibility for the tragedy and expressed hope that the sentencing would bring a measure of comfort to the grieving family.