Hit-and-run coward jailed for crash that cost boy his leg

JAILED: Jerome Cawkwell, 24

A cowardly hit-and-run driver has been jailed for three years for causing a collision on a footpath which resulted in a nine-year-old boy losing his leg.

Talented gymnast and dancer Max Clark had been out with family and friends on Rosmead playing fields, off Southcoates Lane, east Hull, to take pictures for a dance class assignment when he was struck by a motorbike being driven along the footpath.

The rider, Jerome Cawkwell, 24, of Cambridge Grove, east Hull, had been going at full speed. He did not have a licence, had not taken a compulsory basic training course to ride provisionally, and was not wearing a helmet.

After fleeing the scene, Cawkwell was arrested at a property at 1.45pm after leaving the bike at an another address.

Cawkwell admitted charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, using a vehicle without insurance, and using a vehicle not in efficient working order when he appeared before magistrates. He was released on bail and sentenced at Hull Crown Court.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Chief Inspector Paul Butler said: “Firstly I want to praise Max and his family for their bravery and positivity.

“The injuries Max suffered – on what should have been a happy, carefree, family day out to meet friends – will affect him for the rest of his life.

‘TOUCHED OUR HEARTS’: Max Clark

“However, every officer who has spent time with him has remarked on what a happy, positive young man he is. He’s an inspiration and I know he has touched the hearts of all those who have worked on this case.

“I hope that today’s sentence will not only go some way to helping Max and his family to continue to rebuild their lives, but also serve as warning to those who ride motorbikes in a dangerous or antisocial way of the potential consequences of their actions.

“Jerome Cawkwell has not only lost his freedom today but he also has to live with the knowledge that he has changed this little boy’s life forever.

“For those who choose to ignore this warning and continue to put themselves and others at risk, I have a simple message for you. We will not tolerate it and we will find you.”