By Ashley Young-
An unlicensed driver with no insurance who fled the scene of a collision in Leeds, leaving a pedestrian with fatal injuries has been jailed or 6 years.
Kyle Charlesworth, 28, from Furlong Road, Goldthorpe, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was driving without a licence and was uninsured when he was behind the wheel of his Seat Ibiza that collided with Paul Collins, a 68 year old pedestrian, on 4th October, 2021.
Although treated by ambulance staff, Mr. Collins was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on East Park Parade in the East End Park area of Leeds.
Charlesworth was travelling at more than twice the speed limit and driving dangerously, failing to take account of other road users.
Charlesworth, fled the scene of the collision but was later arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured and unlicensed.
Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today , Charlesworth, who admitted the charges at an earlier hearing, was jailed for six years and nine months.
He was also banned from driving for five years which will start when he is released from prison.
The court heard from members of Mr Collins’ family who stated that, prior to his death, they were in the process of reuniting with him after being estranged for a number of years.
Charlesworth had denied the family this opportunity.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Clare Barran of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “Kyle Charlesworth made a conscious decision to drive in the manner that he did on that night and showed no consideration whatsoever for anyone other than himself. Mr Collins was struck down having done nothing wrong and lost his life as a result.
“Our sympathies remain with the family of Mr Collins who have suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one in such an avoidable case.”
The death brought with it another lesson, for people to appreciate their family while they are alive and resolve issues no matter how challenging before it is too late.