Family Members Sentenced for Concealing Teen's Hit-and-Run Incident
A family has been imprisoned for assisting a teenager in covering up a hit-and-run that left a five-year-old boy critically injured and fighting for his life. The incident occurred in Shotton, Flintshire, where Kaylem Longhurst was illegally riding an off-road motorbike when he collided with young Arlo Buckley in September 2024.
Severe Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Arlo Buckley, who was only five years old at the time, suffered severe injuries after being dragged along the ground by the motorbike. He required urgent medical attention at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and endured months of subsequent treatment. Following the collision, Longhurst fled the scene, abandoning the injured child.
Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice
A jury determined that members of Longhurst's family actively worked to help him evade justice. Their actions included burning his clothes, concealing the motorbike in an alleyway, and driving him away from the scene to York. This coordinated effort was aimed at destroying evidence and preventing authorities from holding Longhurst accountable.
Sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court
Judge Simon Mills presided over the sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, delivering the following penalties:
- Kaylem Longhurst, 18, of Nantwich, Cheshire, received 14 months detention in a young offenders institute. This sentence comprised 12 months for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and two consecutive months for dangerous driving. He also faces an extended driving disqualification of two years and seven months and must pass an extended retest.
- Terry Follows, 43, Longhurst's mother from Shotton, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for playing a lead role in the conspiracy.
- Shane Hunt, 39, the ex-partner of Longhurst's sister from Shotton, who acted as the driver, received 21 months for his involvement in the conspiracy.
- Cara Haran, 25, Longhurst's older sister from Pentre Halkyn, was sentenced to nine months in prison for burning his clothes.
Legal Admissions and Denials
Longhurst had previously admitted to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, inadequate eyesight, and insurance. However, he denied perverting the course of justice alongside his mother, Terry Follows, and Shane Hunt. All three were found guilty of this charge after a trial, while Cara Haran admitted her role in the conspiracy.
Police Response and Public Reaction
Temporary Detective Inspector Katie Davies of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit commented on the case, stating, "This was a shocking and deeply distressing incident in which a five-year-old child was left with serious injuries, while the person responsible chose to flee the scene rather than stop and help." She emphasized the concerning nature of the family's assistance in evading justice and praised the bravery of Arlo and his family, as well as the public for providing crucial information.
Detective Inspector Davies added, "Today’s sentence reflects the diligent work of our officers, in particular Detective Constable Donna Vernon, and sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue not only offenders, but anyone who seeks to help them avoid accountability." The case underscores the legal consequences of obstructing justice and the importance of community cooperation in criminal investigations.
