Man jailed for eight years following a fatal hit and run in North Yorkshire

A 51-year-old man is starting a prison sentence after a hit and run which killed a 9 year old boy from North Yorkshire.

Luke Widdop has been jailed for eight years at Bradford Crown Court.

The family of George Lewis cried as statements were read on their behalf, describing him as "funny, caring and kind - and mad about dinosaurs".

He’d been walking home with his dad and brother in Sutton in Craven in 2021 when all three were hit by a white van.

The court heard how George was catapulted into the air and over a wall.

Widdop from Park Avenue in Keighley admitted taking cocaine before getting behind the wheel. He drove away from the scene but handed himself into police later that night.

He sat through most of the hearing with his arms folded and he showed little emotion as the judge read out his sentence and he was lead away.

Sentencing, Judge Rose described George, from the victim statements, as someone who was gifted and could have made a success of anything he chose to do in life.

Addressing the defendant, he said that through his careless driving and drug taking: "You took away such future as he had."

He added: "It is quite clear from your previous court appearances and your offending, including speeding and driving while under the influence, have taught you nothing about the dangers you pose to other road users and pedestrians."

He jailed him for eight years and banned him from driving for an extended period once he was released.

After sentencing, Judge Rose addressed George's family in court and said that although he did not know the little boy, hearing about him had had a "very powerful impact" on him.

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