A mother was killed and her boyfriend suffered life-changing injuries after a drug dealer allegedly chased them for over a mile on an e-bike in Pleasley, Derbyshire. The ongoing trial reveals chilling details of a calculated attack linked to the local drug trade.
A tragic incident unfolded in Pleasley, Derbyshire, where a drug dealer allegedly engaged in a deliberate pursuit of a mother and her boyfriend on an e-bike, leading to catastrophic consequences. The prosecution has painted a harrowing picture of the events that transpired on November 26, 2024, when 23-year-old Keaton Muldoon allegedly chased Alana Armstrong, 25, and Jordan Newton-Kay, 22, for over a mile in his Land Rover Discovery. Armstrong was declared dead at the scene due to severe injuries, while Newton-Kay faced life-altering consequences, requiring amputation of his right leg.
The court learned that before the pursuit commenced, Muldoon had been involved in a drug deal, offloading 30 pounds of cocaine in a nearby pub car park. Sally Howes KC, the prosecuting barrister, described how the couple’s encounter with Muldoon escalated after they rode past his stationary vehicle; curiosity led them to check on the parked 4x4, which, as the prosecution argued, constituted a pivotal moment that triggered Muldoon’s aggressive reaction.
Witness accounts indicate that Muldoon’s vehicle, significantly larger and heavier than the e-bikes, was used as a weapon in a calculated act of violence. During the trial, it was revealed that after ramming the e-bike, Muldoon reportedly exclaimed, “Oh s. Oh for f* sake. I was only meant to knock them off the bike,” further suggesting a conscious intent to cause harm. The trauma experienced by both victims was underscored by Newton-Kay’s chilling description of the moment he watched Armstrong being struck and subsequently thrown over the vehicle. He eventually managed to escape the collision by veering off the road.
Emergency responders arrived soon after, only to find Armstrong unresponsive and suffering from "unsurvivable" injuries. Newton-Kay’s condition was grave; he survived but faced multiple operations and the painful reality of amputation due to the traumatic injuries inflicted during the incident. This severe consequence emphasises not only the physical danger posed to the victims but the broader violent context surrounding the drug culture within which the incident unfolded.
Witness testimony also illuminated the couple’s activities prior to the confrontation. They had been socialising with a friend and consuming cannabis, revealing a stark contrast to the chaotic violence that erupted shortly thereafter. The combination of illicit substances, the presence of a powerful vehicle, and Muldoon’s intent culminated in an event that has left a community in shock.
Muldoon, who was arrested a week after the collision, has since pleaded guilty to charges related to dangerous driving but vehemently denies murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. He has claimed the incident resulted from panic due to fears of being robbed. However, the prosecution maintains that this line of defence doesn’t hold in light of the calculated nature of the attack, arguing that it signifies a deliberate decision to pursue and harm vulnerable individuals.
As the trial progresses, it seeks not only to deliver justice for Alana Armstrong, a mother with a six-year-old son, but also to bring attention to the severe ramifications of drug-related violence. The community and the legal system await the outcome, as witnesses and family members grapple with the tragic loss of a life impacted by a collision between the worlds of drugs and reckless driving.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is December 5, 2024, when Keaton Muldoon was charged with the murder of Alana Armstrong. ([shropshirestar.com](https://www.shropshirestar.com/uk-news/2024/12/05/man-charged-with-murdering-woman-in-e-bike-hit-and-run-crash/?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date. The content has been republished across various outlets, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks. This suggests that the narrative has been recycled and may lack originality. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quote attributed to the prosecuting barrister, Sally Howes KC, is not found in the provided search results. This suggests that the quote may be original or exclusive content. However, without confirmation from other reputable sources, the authenticity of the quote cannot be fully verified.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable organisation. However, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative aligns with known facts about the incident, including the charges against Keaton Muldoon and the involvement of Alana Armstrong and Jordan Newton-Kay. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is December 5, 2024, when Keaton Muldoon was charged with the murder of Alana Armstrong. ([shropshirestar.com](https://www.shropshirestar.com/uk-news/2024/12/05/man-charged-with-murdering-woman-in-e-bike-hit-and-run-crash/?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date. The content has been republished across various outlets, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks. This suggests that the narrative has been recycled and may lack originality. The direct quote attributed to the prosecuting barrister, Sally Howes KC, is not found in the provided search results. This suggests that the quote may be original or exclusive content. However, without confirmation from other reputable sources, the authenticity of the quote cannot be fully verified. The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable organisation. However, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date. The narrative aligns with known facts about the incident, including the charges against Keaton Muldoon and the involvement of Alana Armstrong and Jordan Newton-Kay. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative was published on May 24, 2025, which is more than 7 days after the earliest known publication date.