A 24-year-old man has been jailed for six years and eight months after causing the death of a 79-year-old man following an altercation at a bus stop in Garforth. Thomas Childe admitted manslaughter after an investigation established a link between the confrontation and Colin Starbuck's fatal heart attack.
A 24-year-old man from Garforth has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after admitting responsibility for the death of a 79-year-old man following an altercation at a bus stop.
Thomas Childe, of Oak Crescent, Garforth, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday 23 October 2026, where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter.
The case relates to the death of Colin Starbuck, who suffered a fatal heart attack following a confrontation in Aberford Road, Garforth, on 29 October 2025.
What happened in Garforth?
According to West Yorkshire Police, Childe became involved in a verbal altercation with Mr Starbuck at a bus stop on Aberford Road.
During the confrontation, Childe pushed the 79-year-old to the ground.
Emergency services attended the scene and provided treatment before Mr Starbuck was taken to hospital.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead later that day.
Police investigation establishes link to death
A subsequent investigation found that Mr Starbuck had suffered a heart attack.
Detectives established a causal link between the altercation and the heart attack that caused his death.
Childe was positively identified through CCTV footage gathered during the investigation.
He was initially charged with murder before subsequently pleading guilty to manslaughter at an earlier court hearing.
Six-year prison sentence
At Leeds Crown Court on Friday 23 October, Childe was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
The sentencing followed his admission of manslaughter.
The case highlights how a confrontation can have fatal consequences, particularly when vulnerable or elderly people are involved.
Senior detective responds to sentencing
Detective Superintendent Matt Holdsworth, the Senior Investigating Officer, said the investigation had established Childe's responsibility for Mr Starbuck's death.
He said:
"The thorough investigation conducted by our officers was able to prove that Childe was responsible for causing the needless death of Mr Starbuck, whose family are still coming to terms with their sudden loss."
He added:
"I hope today’s outcome will give them some comfort as they try to move forwards with their lives."
Family continues to mourn
West Yorkshire Police acknowledged the continuing impact of Mr Starbuck's death on his family.
The sentencing brings the criminal proceedings to a conclusion following the incident almost a year earlier.
Childe will now serve the custodial sentence imposed by Leeds Crown Court.
Source: West Yorkshire Police, 24 October 2026.

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