Hit and run who left Huddersfield student Adam O’Toole for dead bids to cut sentence

Nov 11 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE hit-and-run driver who lied for three years after killing Huddersfield student Adam O’Toole is fighting to have his prison sentence cut.

Brett Kingsley, 25, drove off after fatally injuring 18-year-old Adam on New Hey Road in Salendine Nook on March 6, 2007.

He later told his family, police and his insurance company the Rover 200 car he was in had been damaged in a car park collision.

Kingsley (pictured) was eventually arrested in February of this year on suspicion of causing Adam’s death by dangerous driving.

But the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was no evidence to suggest he had been driving dangerously.

He was instead charged with, and admitted, perverting the course of justice over the fraudulent insurance claim.

Kingsley, of Cecil Street in Oldham, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in July.

Under the terms of the sentence, he is likely be released on licence after serving half the term in April.

But lawyers for Kingsley are set to go to the Court of Appeal later this month.

The Court of Appeal can only reduce a sentence where it is shown to be ‘wrong in principle’ or ‘manifestly excessive’. It cannot increase a sentence.

A judge will make a decision about whether they have a case on November 26.

A full appeal hearing could then be held on the same day – or set for a later date.

Adam’s mother, Beverley, of Holmbridge, said she was devastated by the news.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard. He just carries on hurting me.

“Why can’t he just let Adam rest?

“After the sentencing it took a few weeks for me to recover.