Two men who took a scooter from a Sandwell park, sparking a row which led to a man’s death, have been ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Levan Harvey, aged 23, from Beacon View Road in West Bromwich and Richard Edwards, 21, of Ferguson Drive in Tipton, were given community orders.

They pleaded guilty to their part in stealing the vehicle from a funfair at Brunswick Park, Wednesbury. After the theft on September 4, they rode it to a nearby street.

William Dawson, aged 55, from Beech Road, Wednesbury, died hours later in Walsall Manor Hospital after suffering a heart attack shortly after attempting to confront the thieves in Kent Road as he tried to recover the Aprilia Scooter which belonged to his stepson.

Initially there was a murder inquiry but no charges were brought in relation to Mr Dawson’s death.

At West Bromwich Magistrates Court yesterday Harvey pleaded guilty to a charge of taking without consent, after the aggravated charge was dismissed, while Edwards admitting being carried on the vehicle taken by Harvey.

Harvey had earlier admitted related counts of driving without the correct licence or insurance.

Miss Maxine Jarrousse, prosecuting, said the scooter had been ridden to Brunswick Park by Mr Dawson where Harvey saw it left unattended, hid it before riding it away later.

“Mr Dawson pursued that male, grabbing at him, causing Mr Dawson to fall to the floor,” she said.

Mr Rafe Turner, defending, said Harvey had made it clear that he would be prepared to admit to taking the vehicle without consent.

Mr Rob Skinner, defending Edwards, said he had no part in the original taking of the scooter.

Edwards was given 60 hours of unpaid work and Harvey was given 100 hours.