Boy, 4, fighting for his life after ‘hit-and-run’ crash as family share urgent plea after driver, 18, pleads guilty
A LITTLE boy is fighting for his life after a “hit-and-run” crash as his family shared an urgent plea.
A car driven by James Doherty left the road and collided with four-year-old Carlos Crane and a woman aged in her late teens.
Doherty, 18, of no fixed address, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was charged following the collision in the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol on November 17 shortly before 2pm.
Little Carlos remains in hospital in a critical condition while the woman sustained a leg injury and has since been discharged to continue her recovery.
The tot’s family have set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with taxi fares to the hospital and Christmas presents for the children.
They described on the page how they have been “shaken to the core” with their world “turned upside down”.
His parents wrote: “Our sweet four-year-old boy Carlos was recently involved in a devastating hit and run that has left him with life-changing injuries.
“He is currently in the hospital receiving critical care, and while we are doing everything we can to stay strong for him, the road ahead is long and uncertain.
“This accident has turned our world upside down and has shook the family to the core.”
They added: “As parents, we are juggling the emotional toll of supporting Carlos through his recovery while trying to keep life as stable as possible for our other children.
“The costs of traveling to the hospital daily, providing food for the family, and essentials are mounting rapidly.
“With Christmas round the corner and everyone out of work because of this tragic event we are worried about our children not getting the Christmas they deserve.”
More than £4,000 of the £5,000 target has been raised in just days for the youngster following over 200 donations.
Doherty fled the scene after the collision but was arrested by police later on Sunday afternoon.
Police said he appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
David Paniccia Brown, a serious collision investigator, said: “Doherty’s driving was utterly reckless and has left a very young boy in hospital with incredibly serious injuries.
“His decision to drive in the manner he did put lives at risk and his decision to run away immediately after the collision in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his actions, rather than try and help, were cowardly.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family who have been updated on this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I’d like to thank all the officers involved in ensuring we were able to quickly put a strong case before the court and ensure this conviction.”
Doherty was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court on December 17.
Avon and Somerset Police said the incident had caused concern within the Lawrence Weston community.
Officers have carried out additional reassurance patrols in the area since Sunday.