News / Lawrence Weston
‘Cowardly’ 18-year-old admits to dangerous driving following Lawrence Weston hit and run
A man has pleaded guilty to causing the collision which left a four-year-old boy for his life in Lawrence Weston.
18-year-old James Doherty, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning after being charged on Monday with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He has been remanded into custody until December 17, when he will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.
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Causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentencing recommendation of five years in custody.
Doherty plead guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving – photo: Karen Johnson
Doherty’s plea follows a hit and run in Long Cross, near the junction with Kings Weston Road, on Sunday shortly before 2pm.
A car, driven by Doherty, hit a four-year-old boy and a young woman.
Doherty was arrested on Sunday, a few hours after the incident.
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Avon & Somerset Police serious collision investigator David Paniccia-Brown said: “Doherty’s driving was utterly reckless and has left a very young boy in hospital with incredibly serious injuries.
“His decision to drive in the manner he did put lives at risk and his decision to run away immediately after the collision in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his actions, rather than try and help, were cowardly.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family who have been updated on this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I’d like to thank all the officers involved in ensuring we were able to quickly put a strong case before the court and ensure this conviction.”
The four-year-old boy hit by the car driven by Doherty remains in a critical condition in hospital while the young woman, who sustained a leg injury, has since been discharged.
Main photo: Avon and Somerset Police
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