News / Lawrence Weston
Family left ‘scarred’ after collision that left four-year-old seriously injured
The family of a four-year-old who was left critically injured in a collision has recounted the day that stole their son’s “innocence and boundless joy”.
The four-year-old and his mother were waiting at a bus stop in the Long Cross area of Lawrence Weston on November 17, when a BMW lost control and ran off-road, hitting the child and his mother.
The collision was caught on a CCTV camera near the bus stop and other cameras in the area also caught the driver, James Doherty, fleeing the scene after the incident.
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Doherty, of no fixed addresses, handed himself over to the Patchway police on the same evening where he was arrested.
James Doherty was arrested on the evening of the collision – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Police investigation revealed that Doherty had purchased the vehicle only earlier that day, hours before the collision.
18-year-old Doherty, was sentenced on Friday at Bristol Crown Court to two years and two months in a young offenders’ institute. He also received a driving disqualification for four years and one month and will be required to take an extended test after the period has lapsed.
Reading out a statement to the court, the mother of the injured boy said: “I would never wish this to happen to anyone.
“This is a lifetime scar for me and my family.”
The collision was caught on a CCTV camera near the bus stop – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Both, the mother and the boy’s stepfather, have admitted to having distressing flashbacks ever since that fateful November day.
The young boy continues to require medical care for the injuries sustained in the collision.
At the sentencing, judge Peter Blair called Doherty’s reckless speeding as “inappropriate” and his fleeing the scene a “cowardly” action.
Senior collision investigator, David Paniccia-Brown said: “James Doherty caused horrendous injuries to a young boy and a woman, and then showed no regard for their welfare by fleeing from the scene.
“At the time of the collision we feared the boy would not survive but fortunately he has pulled through, in no small part due to the wonderful care of medical staff at Bristol Children’s Hospital and paramedics. He will need ongoing medical care, something no little boy should have to go through, as will his stepmother.
“We want to thank the family for the dignity and composure they have shown throughout this upsetting case, the pain of which both mentally and physically will not end with any court sentence. We continue to provide them with support through a specially trained family liaison officer.
“We would also want to thank members of the public who helped at the scene in the immediate aftermath of this incident, helping to free the young boy by overturning the vehicle. It was a hugely distressing scene but they showed kindness and selflessness in a time of crisis and that should be recognised.”
Main photo: Seun Matiluko
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