A teenager’s family has been sentenced to jail for aiding in covering up a hit-and-run incident that severely injured a young boy. The teenager, Kaylem Longhurst, who is now 18 years old, struck and caused serious harm to eight-year-old Arlo Buckley while riding an off-road motorbike in Shotton, Flintshire, back in September 2024. Arlo, who was six at the time of the accident, was struck while crossing Central Drive and was dragged along the ground by the bike, necessitating urgent medical attention at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and extensive follow-up treatment.
Following the collision, Longhurst fled the scene, and it was later revealed in court that members of his family attempted to help him evade justice by burning his clothes, concealing the motorbike in an alley, and transporting him away from the scene to York, as reported by North Wales Live.
Longhurst, now residing in Nantwich, Cheshire, had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving related to the crash, as well as driving without a valid license, proper eyesight, and insurance coverage. However, he denied charges of perverting the course of justice, along with his mother, Terry Follows, and his sister’s former partner, Shane Hunt. All three were convicted of the offense after a trial, while Longhurst’s sister, Cara Haran, admitted her involvement in the cover-up.
The sentencing for all four individuals took place at Caernarfon Crown Court by Judge Simon Mills. Temporary Detective Inspector Katie Davies of North Wales Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit expressed the severity of the incident, emphasizing the injuries sustained by the child and the family’s attempts to obstruct justice. She praised the courage of Arlo and his family, as well as the members of the public who provided crucial information.
Davies highlighted the diligent work of the investigating officers, particularly Detective Constable Donna Vernon, in ensuring that both offenders and those aiding them in evading accountability are pursued with determination. The sentence handed down serves as a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated, reinforcing the commitment to upholding justice in such cases.
