Nantwich motorcyclist, 18, jailed for fleeing scene after hitting child

A Nantwich man has been jailed after seriously injuring a five-year-old child while riding his motorbike and then fleeing the scene.

The court heard how 18-year-old Kaylem Longhurst, of Morgan Walk, Nantwich was riding the motorcycle when he struck young Arlo Buckley in Shotton, in Flintshire.

Longhurst (pictured) was identified and admitted dangerous driving, and was also convicted by a jury at Mold Crown Court in February of conspiring to pervert the course of justice along with members of his family.

His mother Terry Follows (also pictured), 43, of Clwyd Street, Shotton, and 39-year-old Shane Hunt, of Clwyd Street, Shotton, were found guilty of the same offence.

At Mold Crown Court today (April 14th), Longhurst was jailed for 14 months.

Follows was sentenced to 26 months in custody and Hunt was jailed for 21 months.

Longhurst’s older sister Cara Haran, 25, of Lucas Avenue, York, had pleaded guilty for her part in the conspiracy. She was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Victim Arlo was left critically injured after he was hit and dragged along the road by Longhurst’s motorbike.

The collision happened at around 5:30pm on Wednesday, 11th September 2024. Arlo was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Temporary Detective Inspector Katie Davies, of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a shocking and deeply distressing incident in which a five-year-old child was left with serious injuries, while the person responsible chose to flee the scene rather than stop and help.

“What is particularly concerning is that members of Longhurst’s own family then assisted him in attempting to evade justice, including helping him leave the area and destroy evidence.

“I would like to commend the bravery of Arlo and his family, and also thank members of the public who came forward with information.

“Today’s sentence reflects the diligent work of our officers, in particular Detective Constable Donna Vernon, and sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue not only offenders, but anyone who seeks to help them avoid accountability.”