Man jailed for killing another man in Tipton collision
The 28-year-old was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison after being found guilty of causing the death of Darren Whitehouse
A man has been jailed for killing another man in a collision in Tipton.
Carlton Betts aged 28, was found guilty of causing the death of Darren Whitehouse as he was stood talking to a friend on St Marks Road on 27 February 2021.
Betts was in a stolen car when he hit Darren and his friend before driving off and leaving Darren lying in the road.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Darren died at the scene.
Darren’s friend suffered minor physical injuries but was left devastated and traumatised by the incident.
Betts dumped the car nearby in Griffiths Street, before returning to St Marks Road, but he didn't make himself known and left.
An investigation was launched by Police, and Betts was identified as a suspect and arrested.
After a lengthy investigation he was charged and released on court bail, however he failed to attend court and was absent for the trial.
After being found guilty by a jury, a warrant for his arrest was issued and he was arrested in Tipton.
The 28-year-old was sentenced to 13 years and 7 months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“This sentence won’t bring Darren back, but it will help his family someway to moving forward. They never stopped fighting for justice for Darren and have patiently waited for this day and I thank them for that patience and belief in my team.
“Despite knowing what he has put Darren’s family through, Betts still tried to avoid facing up to what he did, instead putting the family through more pain in actions described by the Judge as “cowardly and cruel.”
“With Betts now behind bars, he can finally face justice for Darren’s death and the pain he has caused Darren’s family and friends.”