- Craig Griffiths, 36, crashed into schoolboy Harry Kinney-Ryan in Liverpool
- The teenager died due to head injuries he got in the crash on December 7, 2022
A speeding motorist who ran over and killed a superhero-loving 13-year-old boy who was out buying sweets for his friends has been jailed for 12 months.
Craig Griffiths, 36, was driving his silver Vauxhall Astra Estate in Liverpool when he struck schoolboy Harry Kinney-Ryan.
Harry, who was described as having ‘a perfect smile’, had a fear of being struck by a car and always crossed at green traffic lights but chose not to on December 7, 2022.
As he ran over East Lancashire Road in Croxteth at 7.20pm he was struck by Griffiths’s car which was travelling at around 55mph in a 40mph zone.
Griffiths got out of his car and attempted to help Harry along with other witnesses who carried out CPR, but the teenager died in Alder Hey Hospital two days later from head injuries.
Judge David Aubrey, KC, told Griffiths today that although there was no doubt he was ‘immersed in remorse’ he would be jailed for 12 months for causing death by careless driving.
Craig Griffiths (pictured), 36, was driving his silver Vauxhall Astra Estate in Liverpool when he struck schoolboy Harry Kinney-Ryan
Harry, who was described as having ‘a perfect smile’, had a fear of being struck by a car and always crossed at green traffic lights but chose not to on December 7, 2022
As Harry ran over East Lancashire Road in Croxteth at 7.20pm he was struck by Griffiths’s car which was travelling at around 55mph in a 40mph zone
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Griffiths, who was on his way home after a 12-hour shift in Runcorn as a machine operator, was in the third lane of the westbound carriageway at the traffic lights by the Showcase cinema.
When the lights changed to green he accelerated quickly away and overtook a car to move into the middle lane before then moving into the inside lane intending to turn left at the next junction with Lower Lane.
Meanwhile Harry and his friend had crossed the eastbound carriageway after going to a service station for sweets and were on the central reservation.
They both stepped into the next carriageway but though his friend then stepped back Harry ran across the road, said prosecutor Callum Ross.
Former soldier Griffiths, who was travelling at between 53-58 mph along the 40 mph road, slammed on his brakes and swerved but struck Harry. He stopped nearby and went to help as did witnesses who gave the victim CPR until paramedics arrived.
The defendant, of Frinsted Road, Norris Green, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.
Harry and his friend had crossed the eastbound carriageway after going to a service station for sweets and were on the central reservation
The East Lancashire Road is a major road through Liverpool and can get busy with traffic. Pictured: The road and the Showcase cinema nearby to where Harry was hit
Griffiths got out of his car and attempted to help Harry along with other witnesses who carried out CPR, but the teenager died in Alder Hey Hospital (pictured) two days later from head injuries
Judge Aubrey told the court, crowded with friends and family of Harry, that he was satisfied that Griffiths was making one continuous manoeuvre at excess speed.
‘It may be that your concentration was at that time focussed to ensure that you turned left at that junction.’
He said that ‘multiplicity of factors contributed to this tragic collision’.
Judge Aubrey also said that Harry may have misjudged the speed at which Griffiths was travelling.
Poignant impact statements were read from Harry’s mum, stepmum and older sister and Judge Aubrey said that Harry, who was autistic, had ‘that perfect smile and sense of humour. He was kind and caring, a best friend and big brother.
‘The family’s loss is immeasurable and incalculable. There will be that void within them for the rest of their lives and their worlds crumbled down.’
He said that the friend who had been with Harry at the time of the tragedy described him as ‘amazing’. She said he had ‘the most gorgeous smile in the world’ and was always there for her.
His older sister said she was besotted with her brother who loved Superheroes and was usually dressed as Spiderman. His mum said that Griffiths ‘made an error of judgement which will live with him for the rest of his life.’
Judge Aubrey told Griffiths: ‘There is no doubt whatsoever that you are immersed in remorse.’
The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court (stock photo)
As well as being jailed Griffiths was banned from driving for 18 months.
Defence barrister Paul Woods said that Griffiths, a dad-of-one, who has no motoring convictions, had indicated his intention to turn left and had not travelled a great distance at speed.
He said the incident has ‘impacted on his everyday life and he cannot stop thinking about what happened.’
He wanted to apologise to Harry’s family.
Following the crash, Harry’s great-uncle Teddy Williams posted on Facebook: ‘This lovely young guy is my nephew Harry. He would have been just 14 on January 12, 2023.
‘On Wednesday he was knocked down on the East Lancs Road and the life support machine has now been turned off and Harry has gained his wings. My whole family are naturally absolutely devastated. Harry is my sister’s grandson.
He added: ‘I do not know how we go on from here but we have to be strong and our lives must go on. Harry will be forever young.’
Detective sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s matrix serious collision investigation unit, said at the time: ‘Harry’s family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers as our enquiries continue and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
‘If you were travelling on the East Lancashire Road around the time of the incident and have any dashcam footage that could help us with our investigation, or you have any CCTV or information please come forward.
A fundraiser for Harry’s family was also set up in his memory.