Child, Four, Still Fighting for Life After Car Slams into Him and Teenager in Bristol
Tragic Incident in Lawrence Weston
A child is still fighting for his life after a car veered off the road and slammed into him and a teenager in Bristol.
James Doherty today admitted to causing serious injury to the four-year-old by dangerous driving as he appeared in court just days after the smash.
The 18-year-old, of no fixed address, had been charged following the collision in the Lawrence Weston, Bristol on November 17.
Doherty fled the scene ‘on foot’ before officers arrested him later that afternoon.
Collision Investigation
Avon and Somerset Police said a BMW driven by Doherty left the road and collided with a boy and a woman aged in her late teens shortly before 2pm.
The boy still remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the woman, who sustained a leg injury, has since been discharged.
Police said he appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court today and pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
A toddler is fighting for his life after a car veered off the road and slammed into him and a teenager in Bristol. James Doherty (pictured) was charged following the collision in the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol on November 17
Avon and Somerset Police said a BMW driven by Doherty left the road and collided with a four-year-old boy and a woman aged in her late teens shortly before 2pm on Sunday. Pictured: Emergency services attending the scene in Long Cross, Bristol
Court Proceedings
David Paniccia Brown, a serious collision investigator, said: ‘Doherty’s driving was utterly reckless and has left a very young boy in hospital with incredibly serious injuries.
‘His decision to drive in the manner he did put lives at risk and his decision to run away immediately after the collision in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his actions, rather than try and help, were cowardly.
‘Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family who have been updated on this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
‘I’d like to thank all the officers involved in ensuring we were able to quickly put a strong case before the court and ensure this conviction.’
Doherty was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court on December 17.
Community Reaction
Police said the incident had caused concern within the Lawrence Weston community, with officers carrying out additional reassurance patrols in the area since Sunday.
The force had previously been hunting for a blonde woman, described as white, who was understood to have been wearing a black puffer coat, blue jeans and light-colored shoes.
Avon and Somerset Police are describing the incident as ‘shocking’ and say it has ’caused concern’ in the area.
David Paniccia Brown, a serious collision investigator, said: ‘Doherty’s driving was utterly reckless and has left a very young boy in hospital with incredibly serious injuries’. Here is another image which shows emergency services attending the scene
Conclusion
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Lawrence Weston community, and our thoughts are with the family of the young boy who remains in hospital. We hope for a speedy recovery and justice to be served.
FAQs
* What happened in the incident?
The driver of a BMW, identified as James Doherty, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a four-year-old boy and a teenager in Bristol.
* What were the injuries sustained by the victims?
The four-year-old boy remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the teenager sustained a leg injury.
* What did the driver admit to?
Doherty admitted to causing serious injury to the four-year-old boy by dangerous driving.
* What is the current condition of the victims?
The four-year-old boy remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the teenager has been discharged with a leg injury.
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