Parents of Deceased Teenager Express Feeling “Failed” After Driving Charges Dismissed

The mother and father of a 14-year-old boy, Harry Parker, who passed away after being struck by a vehicle on Akers Way in Swindon on November 25, 2022, have stated they feel “failed” following the dismissal of charges against the motorist implicated in his death. Ivy Mwangi, a caregiver residing in Redhouse, had faced accusations of causing death by careless driving and causing death while operating a vehicle without a valid licence. However, these accusations were withdrawn last week, citing insufficient evidence. Kelly Parker, Harry’s mother, commented: “The only bit of strength that carried me through was that we’re going to get justice, but now that’s all been chucked out the window, there’s nothing.” Ms. Mwangi’s court proceedings were anticipated to commence in the New Year. Nevertheless, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) indicated that forensic examinations did not yield adequate evidence “to demonstrate the driving was careless”. Adam Parker, Harry’s father, stated: “The only people doing a life sentence is us.” He added: “He was the glue that held us all together, now he’s gone we’re falling apart.” Harry sustained fatal injuries while en route to school, specifically outside Nova Hreod Academy, just five days prior to his fifteenth birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Parker expressed that the CPS had now “failed” both them and “failed Harry.” An unforeseen meeting was arranged for them at Gablecross Police Station on November 13. Mrs. Parker recounted: “A CPS barrister stood there and said ‘there’s no easy way to say this, but the case is being thrown out, it’s not going to court, it’s not going to trial’.” She continued: “We just couldn’t take it in, we’ve been led to believe all this time that we’re going to get justice – at a click of a finger it’s all been chucked out.” Tim Cole, who serves as the acting deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS Wessex, conveyed that their sympathies were still with Harry’s family and verified that they had convened with them to clarify the ruling. He stated: “We keep every case under review to make sure that there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.” He further explained: “We examined this case in great detail – including obtaining the advice of a forensic collision expert – and it has become clear that there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that this collision could reasonably have been avoided, and therefore that the driving was careless.” Mr. Parker expressed his confusion regarding how the evidence could have altered. He remarked: “Nothing has changed, she still hasn’t got a licence.” He added: “Accidents happen, we understand that, however, she was driving illegally and she didn’t stop.” Operating a vehicle without a licence constitutes a summary offence, which mandates that charges must be initiated within half a year of the infraction. Given that this period has elapsed, Ms. Mwangi cannot now face charges for driving without a licence. The family is currently engaging with their Member of Parliament, Will Stone, and intends to organize a petition with the aim of amending laws concerning fatalities caused by unlicensed driving. Mr. Parker asserted: “In cases like this the law is wrong.” The offence of causing death while driving without a licence is punishable by a custodial sentence of up to two years. He further commented: “We think that’s crazy, death by no licence is dangerous otherwise why are we all getting licences.” Superintendent Guy Elkins of Wiltshire Police stated: “We recognise the distress that this decision will have caused to Harry’s family.“Wiltshire Police will continue to work closely with the Parker family to ensure they are kept informed about any further developments with this case.” For updates, connect with BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.