A heartbroken father shared his grief after his 10-year-old son was tragically killed by a speeding driver. John Harkins was driving at double the speed limit when he struck Charlie Lowe, who passed away the following day in hospital. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Abingdon Road in Walton, Liverpool, with Charlie being hit by Harkins’ vehicle as he crossed the road towards Asda.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Harkins tearfully apologised to Charlie’s family, sharing that he had stopped at the scene and had no alcohol or drugs in his system. The 35-year-old driver admitted causing death by dangerous driving, receiving a sentence of six years and eight months in prison. Harkins also expressed remorse and acknowledged the unimaginable loss suffered by Charlie’s family.
Charlie’s parents, Lisa and Anthony, conveyed their devastation in emotional statements read in court. Lisa described how she has been unable to change anything in Charlie’s room since his passing, while Anthony expressed the ongoing pain and constant reminders of their special son.
The court heard how Harkins had been driving at 51mph at the time of the collision, well over the 20mph speed limit on the road. The judge acknowledged the profound sadness of the case and sentenced Harkins to a prison term, as well as an eight-year and four-month driving ban.
Despite Harkins’ remorse and recognition of the tragedy, Judge Garrett Byrne emphasised that no sentence could truly reflect the loss suffered by Charlie’s family. Harkins will need to pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the roads, with the judge highlighting the lasting impact of the incident on both families involved.
The heartfelt account of Charlie’s parents and the court proceedings shed light on the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the ongoing grief faced by families dealing with such tragic losses.