Driver who killed ‘beautiful’ boy, 10, in horror collision after speeding 51mph in 20mph zone jailed
A DRIVER who caused the death of a 10-year-old boy in a horror car crash has been jailed for six years and eight months.
Football-mad Charlie Lowe was hit by a black Ford Kuga – which had been going 51mph in a 20mph zone – in Liverpool on April 20 last year.
Charlie was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries the next day.
The car’s driver Jon Harkins, 35, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and pleaded guilty to the charge.
Harkins, of Scarisbrick Road in Walton, was yesterday sentenced to six years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court.
Charlie’s devastated family had last year paid tribute to the “exceptionally happy” and “very funny” boy.
In a statement released through Merseyside Police, the family wrote: “Football mad, Charlie was taken away suddenly and we will always miss him.
“He was a huge Liverpool FC fan and knew everything about the team.
“He was also a keen cross-country runner. He was exceptionally happy, very smart and very funny.
“Charlie loved school and loved life and he will be sorely missed by everyone.”
His dad added: “There isn’t a word to describe how amazing and loved you are and how missed you will be. The most beautiful boy in the world.
“When you arrived I had to split my heart between you and your brother Daniel, sister Rachael and brother Bobby.
“I never knew for certain what real love was but I did when my amazing children entered my life.
“I will always cherish the short time I had with you, the hugs and kisses and laughs we had. The days out, you playing football and on FIFA.”
He recalled rushing to the hospital “praying for a miracle” when he heard what had happened, but none came.
The distraught dad concluded: “Charlie, I miss you mate so much it’s killing me inside as it is for your brothers and sister.
“All my love Charlie, I hope you rest in peace, Dad.”
The tragic incident took place at around 4.30pm on 20 April 2023 on Abingdon Road in Walton, Merseyside.
Following Harkins’ sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain very much with Charlie’s family.
“It has been a very difficult period for them as their lives have been changed forever by this incident as they continue to grieve for the loss of their child, and they have been supported throughout this case by a specially trained Family Liaison Officers.
“Harkins drove in excess of the speed limit at 51mph along Abingdon Road which is a 20mph speed limit zone.
“This is a busy residential area at a time children were finishing school, so to drive in such a manner was grossly excessive and inappropriate.”
Detective Sergeant Roper added: “Excess speed devastates lives and causes unimaginable harm to people who become involved in road crashes.
“Charlie’s family and friends have had their lives shattered, but the decisions that Harkins made on that day will have devastating effects on his family.
“No one wants to be involved in such incidents and we must change driving behaviour to reduce that risk of harm.
“Merseyside Police will not tolerate drivers who deliberately ignore the rules of the road and will be relentless in our pursuit of justice when any offences take place.
“We are committed to the prevention of serious injury and road death, to work towards Vision Zero – our strategy focused on driving down the amount of road traffic collisions in our regions and to lower the number of people killed and seriously injured on our streets.
“However, this is something that we must all do in partnership and communities can also take a stand and help us to make the roads safer in the areas that we all live and share.”