Top: (Left) Kaylem Longhurst (right) Terry Follows //
Bottom: (Left) Shane Hunt (right) Cara Haran
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
Four people have been sentenced at Mold Crown Court after a five-year-old boy was struck by a motorbike in Shotton and the rider’s family conspired to help him evade justice. ⚖️
Arlo’s injuries
Arlo Buckley was hit and dragged along the road by a motorbike on Central Drive in Shotton at around 5:30pm on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. The child was left critically injured and airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
The rider
The motorbike was being ridden by 18-year-old Kaylem Longhurst, of Morgan Walk, Nantwich, who fled the scene after the collision rather than stopping to help.
Following a police investigation, Longhurst was identified and admitted dangerous driving. A jury at Mold Crown Court in February also convicted him of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
The cover-up
Three members of Longhurst’s family were convicted of helping him avoid accountability after the collision, including assisting him in leaving the area and destroying evidence.
His mother, Terry Follows, 43, of Clwyd Street, Shotton, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice. Shane Hunt, 39, also of Clwyd Street, Shotton, was convicted of the same offence.
Longhurst’s older sister, Cara Haran, 25, of Lucas Avenue, York, had already pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy.
Sentencing
At Mold Crown Court today (14 April), the following sentences were handed down:
Kaylem Longhurst – 14 months in prison Terry Follows – 26 months in prison Shane Hunt – 21 months in prison Cara Haran – nine months in prison
Temporary Detective Inspector Katie Davies of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a shocking and deeply distressing incident in which a five-year-old child was left with serious injuries, while the person responsible chose to flee the scene rather than stop and help.
“What is particularly concerning is that members of Longhurst’s own family then assisted him in attempting to evade justice, including helping him leave the area and destroy evidence.
“I would like to commend the bravery of Arlo and his family, and also thank members of the public who came forward with information.
“Today’s sentence reflects the diligent work of our officers, in particular Detective Constable Donna Vernon, and sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue not only offenders, but anyone who seeks to help them avoid accountability.”
