In a tragic incident that shook the community, a man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the death of a nine-year-old boy in a hit-and-run road collision. Luke Widdop, 51, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs and was handed his sentence at Bradford Crown Court today. He has also been banned from driving for seven years, with an extension of four years.

The collision occurred on Friday, September 17, 2021, on Sutton Lane in Sutton-in-Craven. The young victim, George Lewis, was pronounced dead at the scene. Widdop, in a callous act, failed to stop at the time of the incident but later turned himself in at a police station in North Yorkshire, where he was subsequently arrested.

Detective Constable Mark Turner, a member of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, expressed the devastating impact of Widdop’s reckless actions on George and his family. The young boy’s life was tragically cut short while he was simply walking home with his loved ones. Throughout the lengthy investigation, the police have provided unwavering support to the grieving family. It is hoped that today’s sentencing will bring them some closure and a sense of justice after enduring a profoundly challenging few years.