THE hit-and-run driver who lied for three years after killing Adam O’Toole is today starting his first full day behind bars.
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.
Police only caught up with Kingsley, of Cecil Street, Oldham, after receiving a tip-off in February this year.
He was initially arrested 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.
Kingsley was instead charged with, and admitted, perverting the course of justice over the fraudulent insurance claim.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Judge Alistair McCallum at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.
The judge said: “The sentence I pass cannot in any way console Adam’s family.”
He told Kingsley the collision had killed Adam “in the prime of his youthful life”.
He added: “Callously you didn’t even stop, but made off immediately and thereafter began a series of lies that went on for a long time.”
Adam, of Woodhead Road in Holmbridge, was studying for a BTec diploma in sports studies at Huddersfield New College.
He was on his way back to college after taking a break when he was hit by Kingsley at about 10.30am.
A massive police hunt for the driver followed. Officers issued an e-fit picture of the suspect and there were numerous media appeals.
Friends and family launched a campaign for information.
At Adam’s inquest in July 2008, coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
Last year the case featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme and website.
But it wasn’t until police got a tip-off that they went to Kingsley’s home in February. He broke down in tears and admitted driving the car.
During yesterday’s court hearing, Christopher Tehrani, representing Kingsley, said his client had dropped out of university three times since the tragedy.
He added: “For three years he carried this secret and revealed nothing to anybody. It had some consequences on him, albeit nothing like the consequences the family had to bear.”
Mr Tehrani said Kingsley became “withdrawn and sorrowful” every March since the tragedy.
“The incident has had a devastating effect on him as a result of having to keep this terrible secret to himself,” he said.
He said Kingsley, who had no previous convictions, had been immature at the time, but had since “grown up”.
He revealed he had become a father nine months ago and was saving money to support his child.
Mr Tehrani said: “Rather than walk away like he could have, he has decided to stand by her (the mother). He has been putting money aside so that he can be a proper father.”
Speaking after the hearing, Adam’s mum, Beverley, told the Examiner Kingsley would be able to do things her son never had the chance to.
She said: “He’s had a child. Adam never got the chance to give me grandchildren and that makes me so sad.”
She added: “He could have got 18 years instead of 18 months and it wouldn’t make any difference. Adam’s not going to come back.
“For his memory, I will try to rebuild my life.”
Adam’s girlfriend, Laura Davidson, said Kingsley would have carried on lying if he had not been caught.
“He hid for three years and I think he would have hid for 300,” she said.
“The only reason he is sorry is because he’s been caught.”
She added: “Whether he got one year or 100, Adam will never get off the bus I expect him to or turn up to the house when I expect him to.
“When he comes out of prison his child will still call him daddy, still play football with him.”
Speaking exclusively to the Examiner, Kingsley’s father Jack, expressed his family’s regret about what had happened.
“All we can say is we are very sorry about this tragic event,” he said.
He said his son was “very down” and deeply regretted his actions.
Det Insp Phil Benson, of Huddersfield CID, said: “We have never given up on this case, despite it taking three years to put an offender before the courts.
“Throughout what must have been a terrible ordeal I have been very impressed by the way that Beverley O’Toole has worked tirelessly to keep Adam’s tragic death at the forefront of people’s minds.
“I hope that the result today gives some closure to the O’Toole family.”
TIMELINE
10.30am, March 6, 2007: Adam is knocked down and killed at New Hey Road, Salendine Nook. Driver flees scene.
March 14, 2007: police release description of the suspect’s car, a blue Rover 200.
March 22, 2007: an e-fit image of the suspect is released.
March 26, 2007: Adam’s funeral takes place at St David’s Church in Holmbridge.
April 11, 2007: Adam’s mother, Beverley, and girlfriend, Laura Davidson, issue an appeal for information.
July 18, 2007: family and friends stage a demonstration at the pedestrian crossing where Adam died.
November 2007: friends travel to Oldham to hand out leaflets appealing for information.
March 6, 2008: The first Adam O’Toole Memorial Trophy for sporting achievement is handed out at Huddersfield New College.
July 14, 2008: Coroner Roger Whittaker records a verdict of unlawful killing at Adam’s inquest. He hears expert evidence that the car was travelling at 50mph in the 30mph zone. But Crown Prosecution Service evidence later concludes Kingsley was travelling at a maximum of 39mph.
January 2009: BBC Crimewatch website runs an appeal.
June 2, 2009: Beverley O’Toole appears on Crimewatch on BBC One to appeal for help.
February 5, 2010: Brett Kingsley is arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
May 26, 2010: Kingsley is charged with perverting the course of justice.
June 16, 2010: Kingsley pleads guilty.
July 21, 2010: Judge Alistair McCallum sentences Kingsley to 18 months in prison.
