Hit-and-run leaves boy in wheelchair

PAIR FLEE SCENE WITH CHILD IN LIFE-THREATENING STATE

- By DAVID HUNTLEY

A DRUG-DEALING electric bike rider left a seven-year-old child with a traumatic brain injury in a Middlesbrough hit-and-run.

Michael Hill was racing around the town on a dark electric bike despite being banned along with his pal Lee Oliver, who was riding a moped in a balaclava.

But as the pair rode down a residential street, Hill collided with a young child who had walked out on to the road. The child was knocked unconscious and left in a life-threatening condition. Rather than stay and help, Hill and Lee fled the scene.

A court heard the child was left with a traumatic brain injury and was flown to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) for treatment. The child is now wheelchair dependent and remains in hospital with ongoing health issues and disabilities.

On Tuesday, Hill, 24, of Raby Court, Middlesbrough, and Oliver, 31, of no fixed address, and appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

Hill was sentenced for causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop at a road accident, and failing to report an accident.

Oliver was sentenced for assisting an offender, and driving without a licence or insurance.

Both defendants, who appeared at court via link from HMP Holme House, had pleaded guilty.