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Family 'devastated' as hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 13, to have early prison release
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- Kaylan Hippsley, a 13-year-old boy, died after being hit by Harley Whiteman in a hit-and-run incident in February 2024; Whiteman was initially sentenced to over six years in prison, later increased to nine years on appeal.
- Despite the increased sentence, Whiteman's punishment has now been reduced to four years under the UK government's Sentencing Act early release scheme, allowing possible release under licence as early as autumn 2024.
- Whiteman had been drinking and using cocaine before the crash, fled the scene, and returned to verbally abuse bystanders trying to help Kaylan.
- Kaylan's family expressed devastation and outrage over the early release, calling it a "kick in the teeth" and have started a petition to prevent Whiteman's early release, emphasizing the impact on the victim's family.
- The Ministry of Justice cited prison capacity issues as a reason for early release policies but stated efforts are underway to build more prison places, expand tagging, and increase victim support to balance public safety and justice.
