A friend and a brother of a man who died while riding his motorbike were pulling wheelies in the moments before his death, a court has heard.

Joel Ludlam, 30, and Joshua Carter, 29, were out riding their bikes in a group on December 23, 2020, that included Ludlam’s brother, Lewis Taylor.

Denise Fitzpatrick, prosecuting at Burnley Crown Court said the group were driving dangerously around Burnley in the middle of the day, with several members of the public making reports about their driving.

Most of the group, which included disqualified driver Ludlam, Carter and father-to-be Mr Taylor were on motorbikes, with one of the group members on a quad bike.

The bikes were weaving around traffic in Harold Street, Burnley, reaching speeds of at least double the 20mph speed limit.

The group headed up to the playing fields near Burnley General Hospital where they spent about 30 minutes before heading back.

On the way, Carter was seen on CCTV doing a wheelie in a 20mph zone and undertaking a white van by going on a footpath.

Ludlam was also seen doing a wheelie and riding on the pavement.

It is estimated the bikes were being driven at between 47mph and 63mph, the speed limit still being 20mph.

Mr Taylor overtook the group, heading down Harold Street on the junction with Melrose Avenue where he crashed with a red Toyota Yaris and was thrown from his bike.

Many rushed to Mr Taylor’s aid including his brother Ludlam and friend Carter. Other motorcyclists fled the scene knowing the police would be on their way.

One member of the group, who has not been identified, took Mr Taylor’s off road bike from the scene and it has still not been recovered.

Ludlam and Carter stayed with Mr Taylor while emergency services made their way to the area but Mr Taylor was declared dead at the scene.

The pair were arrested and interviewed by police where they both answered no comment to all questions.

Huw Edwards mitigating for Ludlam, who is already in prison, said he has struggled since the loss of his brother, and Ludlam was visibily upset while the details around Mr Taylor’s death were read to the court.

Mr Edwards said: “When reading out the circumstances and Mr Taylor’s passing, it was obvious the effect just those words were having on him.

“Thet is indicative of his genuine and heartfelt remorse.”

Isobel Thomas, for Carter, said he was a father of two and that his partner was ill.

He is also employed as a ground worker and has just started his own business.

Ms Thomas said: “He is obviously going through a difficult time with his personal circumstances.

“He has also found it difficult with the loss of his friend during this dramatic incident and having these proceedings hanging over his head.

“He is still working and he has now opened his own business.”

Recorder Phillip Grundy said: “One of your group was Lewis Taylor, a friend to all and brother to you Ludlam.

“He overtook the lead rider and tragically collided with a red Toyota, causing injuries of which he died.

“Neither one of you caused the accident.”

Ludlam, of Garbett Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was jailed for 12 months and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Carter, of Swallow Park, Burnley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

He was handed a 12-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.