Driver killed man while trying to escape police

Ryan Skelton pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on 13 December

A driver killed a man and seriously injured his carer when he mounted the kerb and struck the pair while trying to escape police.

Anthony Haynes, 66, was taken to hospital after he was hit by a blue Volkswagen Jetta, driven by Skelton, in Oronsay Road, Beaumont Leys, just after 10:30 BST on 12 September.

Mr Haynes died from his injuries 11 days later, while his carer Rachael Newton, 56, suffered life-changing injuries and is still recovering, Leicestershire Police said.

Ryan Skelton, 23, was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, after admitting causing the death by dangerous driving of Mr Haynes and causing serious injury to Ms Newton.

Police said they were contacted on the morning of 12 September by a member of the public who was concerned about Skelton's driving.

The force said officers approached him in his vehicle, and he tried to make an escape, almost immediately colliding with a metal fence.

Skelton then made off at speed and mounted the kerb, hitting Mr Haynes and Ms Newton, who were on the pavement, police added.

Det Con Madeleine Hayes, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This is a tragic incident that's had a major impact on Mr Haynes' family, Ms Newton and her family.

"Skelton had no regard for the safety of others – his sole focus was on trying to evade arrest.

"Sadly, his recklessness resulted in an innocent person losing their life and another sustaining life-changing injuries."

Skelton has also been disqualified from driving for 11 years.