Family of teen killed by intoxicated driver slam killer's 'disgusting' short sentence

The heartbroken family of a teen who was killed by an intoxicated driver have described his killer's short sentence as "absolutely disgusting".

Kaylan Hippsley died after he was struck by a Ford Fiesta driven by Harley Whiteman, 19, on February 29. The 13-year-old was killed on Brecon Road in Hirwaun as he stood on the pavement outside a Co-op store with his friends.

Despite the efforts of passersby and mercy crews, the schoolboy never regained consciousness. Whiteman fled the scene at speed.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard how Whiteman left the scene of the crash before returning and attempting to stop members of the public from helping Kaylan. It then heard how he dropped off his two passengers before returning to the crash site and trying to restrict members of the public from assisting.

He told a student nurse performing CPR: "Do you think I give a f*** about this kid on the floor? Why the f*** don't you all just leave him and stop doing that."

As reported in our sister title, Wales Online, Kaylan died in hospital on March 3 having never regained consciousness. Whiteman was sentenced to six years and nine months detention in a young offenders' institute.

He also was disqualified from driving for a period of eight years and four months. Kaylan's family have released a statement condemning the sentence, saying they feel "let down by the justice system".

It reads: "The sentence given to Whiteman would never be long enough. But the sentence given today of six years nine months with Whiteman only having to serve three years four months is absolutely disgusting.

"It is an insult to Kaylan’s memory. This will be a small chapter of Whiteman’s life where Kaylan was only 13 and never got to live the life he deserved. We have been let down by the justice system today.

"This has totally changed our lives, when Mr Whiteman got into that car along with the two other men, they knew what they were doing. All of them should take some responsibility for what happened to Kaylan, even though the other two have not been charged, they were with the defendant drinking and taking drugs that day. We can never forgive them either.

"Not only did Mr Whiteman hit Kaylan when driving dangerously, he proceeded to drive away from the scene and only returned under the pretence of finding out what had happened. He callously tried to interfere with medics treating Kaylan at the scene and resisted arrest. He showed no remorse for what he had done."

Paying tribute to Kaylan they said he was a "much loved, kind-hearted intelligent little boy, who was greatly loved by all, especially his family and friends.

The statement continued: "Kaylan was a talented rugby and football player. He was a bright, intelligent boy and a much-loved pupil at Aberdare Community School. Kaylan will be greatly missed by all his friends, school community and teammates.

"His passing in such a sudden and tragic manner has been devastating. To lose him at such a young age, with his whole life ahead of him is beyond comprehension. Our grief is immeasurable and the situation we find ourselves in has left us heartbroken.

"The love and care of our extended family and friends is greatly appreciated and continues to be a source of comfort."

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard bystanders tried to move Whiteman away as he became agitated and shouted at a man who asked him about his car. He responded "I don't know what you're talking about... I haven't got a car, I don't even drive."

The defendant also offered a man a fight, as Kaylan lay dying on the road. Witnesses estimated the vehicle was travelling between 40mph and 60mph in the run up to the collision. The impact caused Kaylan to be thrown into the junction of a one-way street and hit the road 12.5m from the point of impact.

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins described Whiteman's behaviour at the scene as "abhorrent and heartless, and when arrested you were aggressive, unruly and unrepentant". He was sentenced to six years and nine months detention in a young offenders' institute. He was disqualified from driving for a period of eight years and four months.

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