'Cowardly' driver jailed over hit-and-run death

Dad 'minding his own business' was mown down by stolen car

- NAOMI DESOUZA

“COWARDLY and cruel” driver has been jailed for almost 14 years over a fatal crash that killed a much-loved dad.

Carlton Betts was sent to prison after causing the hit-and-run death of popular dad-of-one Darren Whitehouse.

The victim was talking to a friend when he was hit by a stolen car driven by Betts in Tipton on February 27, 2021.

The devoted dad-of-one and full-time carer died at the scene on St Marks Road.

His friend was injured and remained “devastated and traumatised” by the incident, police said.

After being found guilty by a jury in his absence at Wolverhampton Crown Court, a warrant for Betts’ arrest was issued and he was arrested in Tipton.

Betts, 28, has now been sentenced to 13 years and seven months in prison.