Man jailed over hit and run in Whitestake
Leo McCarthy was under the influence of drink and drugs
Last updated 19th Jul 2017
A drunk driver who killed a pedestrian in a hit and run near Preston has been sentenced to 6 years behind bars.
Leo McCarthy, who's 32 from Leyland, had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drink and drugs.
On Sunday 28 August last year, Nicholas Farrimond was at a house party with friends at an address on Pope Lane. A taxi was ordered to take him home.
McCarthy was over the drink drive limit and had taken cocaine, MDMA and cannabis when he got behind the wheel of his Peugeot car.
He swerved to avoid the taxi and hit Nick on the pavement, causing catastrophic injuries before running away from the scene.
McCarthy fled the area, leaving the Peugeot on its side in a nearby field. He was traced hours later and subsequently arrested.
Nick's family were in court wearing badges with Nick's face on them. They broke down in tears when McCarthy was jailed for six years.
Nick's brother Tom read out a statement in court. saying he's lost his best friend, his confidant and said that Nick had been drinking and did the right thing by calling a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel like McCarthy.
Investigating officer, Sgt Tracey Ward from the Road Policing Unit, said: “This case highlights the dangers of people driving under the influence of drink or drugs which we sadly see too often.
“In this instance, the potential risk became reality for Leo McCarthy, resulting in the death of a man who had just been enjoying the bank holiday with friends. McCarthy will have to live with knowing that his actions resulted in Nicholas Farrimond’s death for the rest of his life, as will Nicholas’ own family.
“What makes McCarthy’s actions even more despicable is that he panicked and fled the scene.
“Sadly this result will never bring Nicholas back but I hope it goes some way towards helping his family to come to terms with their loss so they can move forward with their lives.