Family jailed after helping teenager flee Shotton crash that left young boy critically injured
A teenager who was riding an illegal off-road motorbike on a Shotton street when he struck a six-year-old boy, leaving him with life-threatening injuries, has been jailed along with three family members who helped him flee.
Kaylem Longhurst, now 18, of Morgan Walk, Nantwich, was 16 when he rode an uninsured off-road bike along Central Drive in Shotton on 11 September 2024.
He struck Arlo Buckley as the boy crossed the road, then fled the scene.
Arlo suffered a broken femur, multiple skull fractures, bruising on the brain, pelvic fractures and a broken shoulder.
He had a seizure at the roadside and was placed into an induced coma before being airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
He spent three and a half weeks in hospital and has since developed epilepsy.
Arlo’s sister Olivia, who was 12 at the time, witnessed the crash on Central Drive.
She has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
While Arlo was in intensive care, members of Longhurst’s family were working to cover up his involvement.
Clothing was burnt, his motorbike was hidden, and Longhurst was driven to York.
Three people were convicted of helping him.
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 pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy before the trial.
Longhurst admitted dangerous driving and was convicted by a jury at Mold Crown Court in February of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
At Mold Crown Court on 14 April, Follows received 26 months in custody.
Hunt was jailed for 21 months.
Haran was sentenced to nine months.
Longhurst received 14 months, with the judge reducing the starting point to reflect that he was 16 at the time of the offence.
Arlo’s father, Danny Buckley, has spoken publicly about the lasting impact on his son, who is now eight.
Arlo has returned to school on a gradual basis with additional support in place.
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 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.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
