A young individual without any driving experience caused the tragic death of a 17-year-old boy in a hit-and-run incident. Harley Hough has been handed a six-and-a-half-year detention sentence in a youth detention center for the fatal accident involving Alex Woodward, who was struck while crossing the road with friends on his way to a store.
The identity of the 17-year-old offender, Hough, was revealed after legal restrictions were challenged by StokeonTrentLive. Hough, who admitted to never having taken a driving lesson, was driving a BMW at 58mph when he overtook another vehicle on Dawlish Drive in Bentilee on October 17.
Following the collision, Alex was thrown 47 meters from the point of impact and succumbed to severe injuries at the Royal Stoke University Hospital the next day. Rather than stopping, Hough proceeded to Park Hall Country Park, where he set fire to the BMW before surrendering to authorities two days later.
During police questioning, Hough disputed driving recklessly and claimed that the victim had taken a risk by attempting to reach the curb before him. He expressed a desire to apologize to the victim’s family and friends for the incident.
Hough, residing in Longton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, driving without a proper license, and driving without insurance. Despite having no prior criminal record and being only 17 years old, Hough accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed deep remorse.
In court, Hough’s lawyer, Steve Hennessy, highlighted his client’s remorse and regret, emphasizing his client’s shame over the tragic incident. Judge Graeme Smith sentenced Hough to six-and-a-half years in a young offenders’ institution, along with an eight-year driving ban that will only be lifted upon passing an extended driving test.
