Family of Lincolnshire Hit-and-Run Victim Relieved as Killer's Sentence Remains Unchanged
The family of a 20-year-old motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run incident in Lincolnshire has expressed relief as the killer’s appeal for a reduced sentence was denied. The incident involved Shane Kelk, a 28-year-old disqualified driver who has since been sentenced to eight years and three months of imprisonment.
Details of the Tragic Incident
On November 13, 2022, Amy Cooper was riding her motorbike when Kelk crashed into her while overtaking a car in Holbeach St Johns. Despite apologising to the gravely injured Amy, Kelk fled the scene and sought refuge, first in Holbeach, then in Peterborough, where he was subsequently arrested.
Shane Kelk's Appeal Dismissed
Shane Kelk's appeal against his sentence was dismissed at the Court of Appeal in London on October 17, 2023, by Lord Justice William Davis. The court's decision was met with relief from Amy's family, acknowledging in a statement how immensely difficult the period since Amy's death had been.
"We are relieved at the outcome of Tuesday’s appeal and the decision to not reduce the sentence given in February. Amy and her short 20 years of life were brutally, violently taken away ... A driver who left her at the side of the road to die."
The Family's Grief and Quest for Justice
Amy's family describes their continuing grief, the exhausting legal process and the toll it has taken on them. They also extend their gratitude to the Lincolnshire Police, paramedics, medical personnel at Peterborough Hospital, and their prosecution team. They expressed their appreciation for the support given by RoadPeace, a national charity for road crash victims.
The family's statement also highlighted the veritable injustice faced by families of road accident victims and the need for longer sentences for such crimes.
"Sentencing has greatly improved, but road crime and causing death by dangerous driving are still, in our opinion, not given long enough sentences. Don’t forget the thousands that have died on our roads."