Motorcyclist who hit child in North Wales jailed
The five-year-old boy was left with serious injuries
A teenage motorcyclist who hit a five-year-old boy and fled, leaving him with critical injuries, has been jailed.
Kaylem Longhurst, 18, of Morgan Walk, Nantwich, dragged the child along the road after hitting him on Central Drive in Shotton, Flintshire, North Wales, at around 5:30pm on Wednesday 11 September 2024.
He had to be airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool for treatment.
Longhurst was identified and admitted dangerous driving - he was found guilty by a jury at Mold Crown Court of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
Members of Longhurst's family were also convicted:
- His mother, Terry Follows, 43, of Clwyd Street, Shotton, of perverting the course of justice
- Shane Hunt, 39, of Clwyd Street, Shotton, of perverting the course of justice
Longhurst has been jailed for 14 months, Fellows has been sentenced to 26 months and Hunt has received a sentence of 21 months.
Temporary Detective Inspector Katie Davies, of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
"This was a shocking and deeply distressing incident in which a five-year-old child was left with serious injuries, while the person responsible chose to flee the scene rather than stop and help.
"What is particularly concerning is that members of Longhurst’s own family then assisted him in attempting to evade justice, including helping him leave the area and destroy evidence.
"Today’s sentence reflects the diligent work of our officers, in particular Detective Constable Donna Vernon, and sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue not only offenders, but anyone who seeks to help them avoid accountability."