Lancashire man sentenced for fail to stop road traffic collision in Southport

We are welcoming the sentencing of a Lancashire man to 9 months disqualification, 12 months community order, 200 hours unpaid work, £800 costs and £95 victim surcharge after a fail to stop road traffic collision in Southport in 2021.
 
David Hargreaves, 48, of Southport Road, Scarisbrick, was sentenced at South Sefton Magistrates Court yesterday, Wednesday 11 January 2023. Last December, Hargreaves was found guilty to driving without due care and attention; failing to stop; and failing to report a road traffic collision.
 
At 11:30pm on Tuesday 14 June 2021, officers attended Bispham Road at the junction with Norwood Road to reports of a collision involving a Renault Clio and a Vauxhall Astra van. The driver of the Renault Clio, a 17-year-old boy, sustained concussion and shock and was later treated at hospital. 
 
The driver of the Vauxhall Astra van made off from the scene without stopping or reporting the incident. 
 
Following extensive police enquiries and with valuable assistance from the victim’s family and the public, Hargreaves was identified and charged with the offences.
 
Matrix Roads Policing Sergeant Christine Walker said: “For Hargreaves to drive off from such a serious collision without a thought as to the condition of the other driver beggars belief.  Hargreaves pled not guilty causing the victim to endure the stress of having to give evidence at trial and even though he was found guilty it does not make up for the shock and injuries to his young victim, who went through an awful ordeal in 2021. We are continuing to support the family and I’d like to thank them and those members of the public who shared information, to ensure Hargreaves was brought to justice.”
 
“CCTV, dashcam, doorbell footage and witnesses all mean that it is highly unlikely that people can get away with such flagrant disregard for those who damage vehicles, injure road users and attempt to leave the scene.”
 
Always call 999 if you see a crime in progress, and you can pass information to us on road traffic collisions via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.