Teenager sentenced to 4 and a half years in detention for Meanwood crash

The 15 year-old driver of a stolen car, who crashed killing five passengers in Meanwood last year, has been sentenced to four and a half years in detention.

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving at a previous hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

Ellis Thornton-Kimmitt, 12, his brother, Elliott Thornton-Kimmitt, 14, Darnell Harte, 15, Robbie Meerun, 24, and Anthony Armour, also 24, all died after the crash involving a Renault Clio in Stonegate Road in Leeds.

Friends in the public gallery broke down in tears as he pleaded guilty to each of the counts last month (December 2017).

The Crown Prosecution Service say the teenager lost control whilst driving the car at a high speed in Meanwood - describing it as "dangerous" and "erratic".

David Holderness from the CPS said: “This was a truly shocking crime in which five young people lost their lives.

“The defendant acted in a supremely dangerous way, driving erratically and at great speed in a residential area. Tragically his victims paid the price of the driver’s utter irresponsibility with their lives. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends, and I hope the driver’s admission of guilt today is of some comfort to them in their grief."

Police described the crash, which happened just before 10pm on Saturday November 25, as "catastrophic''

David Holderness from the CPS said:

“This was a truly shocking crime in which five young people lost their lives.

“The defendant acted in a supremely dangerous way, driving erratically and at speeds of around 88 mph in a residential area. Tragically his victims paid the price of the driver’s utter irresponsibility with their lives. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends, and I hope the sentences passed today are of some comfort to them in their grief."

A shrine of flowers, balloons, candles and messages quickly began to grow, with relatives of brothers Ellis and Elliott describing their loss as heartbreaking.

In the weeks since, music producer Toyan Isaac, who runs his own label Brotherhood Records Music, decided to reach out and help support those left heartbroken. The group chose to speak to Radio Aire:

"We would wish to turn back the time but we can't, even though they've gone to a better place, they've gone to heaven. All we can is pray for better day and change. These lot in the video liked music, the kids who passed away, they loved music. This video is to them."

Alfie Li, who grew up with Ellis, Elliott and Darnell, also spoke to Radio Aire about the effect losing his friends has had on his life: "When you're 14, a month before Christmas, you don't expect to be getting funeral clothes for one of your friends that was your age. It really is upsetting and its hard to deal with.

"It's been difficult. I just remember that phone call, when I heard Darnell's name, it didn't register. I just broke down a bit I mean it's not really sinking in and it's really hard and everyone is upset. It's hurt everybody."

Natasha, Darnell's sister, paid tribute to her brother, and thanked those who have supported the family: "To know that everyone came to the music video and supported these boys as well as showing the boys they're still loved and are going to live on forever. No one is ever going to forget about them - it was great to see everyone just be together and support one another."

"It's one of the worst things that will ever happen to us."