THE family of a six-year-old boy killed in a hit and run crash urged his killer to show remorse.
They spoke out as Emley man Peter Renshaw again had sentencing for his crimes delayed.
Renshaw, 22, of Grange Drive, appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday and was given a temporary last minute reprieve from an expected prison sentence after the judge due to sentence him was sick.
He pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing and on Monday admitted two further charges including failing to stop at the scene of the accident and failing to report the accident to police.
He will be now be sentenced on June 7 at Leeds Crown Court.
Renshaw, 22, was driving his Fiat Seicento in Fishpond Lane, Wakefield at nearly double the speed limit when he fatally struck Owen Wightman as he crossed the road.
The court’s public gallery was packed full of family and friends of Owen – who would have turned seven on May 14 – including his parents Neil, 33, and Joanne, 31.
Neil’s cousin Kelly Appleyard told the Examiner: “He should have pleaded guilty right from the beginning and spared the family hearing all this in court.
“To hear sounds of a car driving away and people laughing in court is awful. It's just a day out for them.
“All we want is for him and his family to show remorse for what he has done.”
Owen’s grandad Howard Wightman added: “It’s just been drawn out from the start. To get to this stage and plead guilty. It’s been so upsetting.
“Owen’s mum has been worrying about today, we all have.”
Judge Geoffrey Marson QC heard evidence in the form of a Newton hearing on Monday which covered events leading up to the tragic accident on June 18 last year.
But yesterday as Renshaw briefly appeared before a different judge he was told he could not be sentenced and the case would be adjourned.
The judge told him yesterday: “Peter Renshaw I am sorry that the case can’t be finished today. Everybody wanted that to happen. I am taking the case off the list today.
“As I warn all defendants, if you fail to turn up the case can go ahead in your absence and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. You are free to go.”
Renshaw who has also been disqualified from driving, was granted bail.
