At Folkestone Magistrates’ Court, a driver who struck a seven-year-old boy in his van and fled the scene was given a suspended sentence.
On December 6, 2023, William Brown passed away in Folkestone after being hit by the van on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade and being thrown into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
At a previous hearing, Stewart Powell, 49, of Dunstall Gardens, St. Mary’s Bay, entered a guilty plea to charges of driving without insurance and failing to stop after a collision.
He received a sentence of 14 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, along with a curfew.
Powell saw CPR being administered to William as he lay in the road, according to prosecutor Julie Farbrace, when Powell drove a short distance after striking the boy.
Powell “panicked” and ran from the scene, according to her.
Powell told police the incident had “stressed me out” and that’s why he called 999 the next day, according to the court transcript, while describing how William had run in front of him.
‘Cowardly not to stop’
Laura Brown, William’s mother, stated in court that her son “deserved better” and that her son was abandoned “like an animal” in the road.
“Stewart stood watching the whole catastrophic incident unfold,” the speaker stated. He decided on purpose to return to his van and drive away. That kind of behaviour is just cruel.”
William Brown Sr., the boy’s father, stated: “It was cowardly not to stop and keep driving.”
However, he said, “I forgive you, Stewart. I know William would too. I grant tranquilly and healing to your family.”
According to Mr. Brown, the accident “could have happened to anyone” and his son shouldn’t have been on the road.
He continued: “I hope we can all consider road safety a priority moving forward…so William’s life is not wasted.”
Adrienne Wright offered a mitigation, stating that Powell had “sheer panic” over not being able to handle what was happening and that the incident was out of character for him.
She continued: “Not a moment passes that he does not regret his decision.”
“Your punishment will go far beyond the sentence I impose on you this morning,” said district judge Claire Loxford during the sentencing process.Having acknowledged using cannabis that day and being a user at the time, you denied police the chance to look into additional offences by fleeing the scene.”
Leave a Reply