Driver jailed for killing a man in a hit-and-run in Leicestershire
Jonathon Knight will spend 14 years in prison
Last updated 28th Aug 2025
A driver has been jailed for 14 years for killing a man in a hit-and-run in Leicestershire.
The incident happened on Ling Road in Loughborough on July 7th 2023, where they found a cyclist in the road.
The cyclist, later identified as Anthony 'Tony' Smith, died at the scene.
Forensics revealed that it was Jonathan Knight who has been driving the car that hit Tony.
Witnesses say the windscreen was so smashed, Knight had to drive with his head out of the window.
He later set the car alight.
Jonathan Knight was found guilty of causing death by driving without due care/consideration when under the influence of drugs.
He was also found guilty of causing death by driving while unlicenced, causing death by driving while uninsured, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and perverting the course of justice.
The 31-year-old of Beacon Road, Loughborough has been sentenced at the same court today (28th August) to a total of 14 years in prison.
He also received a 13 year and eight months disqualification from driving and ia ordered to take a mandatory retest.
Detective Constable Paul Hicks, who was the investigating officer, said: “We had no witness to the actual collision which from the start made the case more challenging and gave it an added level of complexity.
“However, through some detailed detective work and excellent forensic evidence, we were able to place Knight as the driver of the vehicle, which hit and sadly killed Tony.
“Given the clear attempts to destroy any possible evidence by abandoning and setting the car alight, Knight was additionally charged with perverting the course of justice, another offence which strengthened the overwhelming case against him.”
Anthony Smith’s mother, Kate Bell, has released the released the following statement:
“Tony went to The Carpenters Arms, a recovery centre for addiction, about four years ago when he was not well.
“He found God and joined the Salvation Army before volunteering in one of their charity shops. He really enjoyed working there and the older ladies took a shine to him treating him like a son.
“He also volunteered in a soup kitchen, and he was very much loved by everyone.
“Tony prospered in Loughborough. He had a brilliant time there and took his boys on long walks and out on the water in his kayak.
“He loved his life, and he was a happy lovable big guy.
“My family are all devastated about the way he was killed. I don't understand why the person who killed him just didn't stop. To my family that man is a coward.
“What helps me as his mum is the love of all his friends in Loughborough keeping in touch with me. They have sent me beautiful photos of him, and you can see pictured his whole face is lit up with happiness.
“Thank you to everyone for all the help you have given me over the past couple of years as well as the police who have worked so hard to bring this person to court," she said.