Hit-and-run driver who killed dad and son jailed

Paul Yates has been jailed after causing the deaths of Dean Jones and his son Lewis Daines

A driver who killed a father and son in a hit-and-run crash has been jailed for 12 years.

Paul Yates, 36, fatally struck Dean Jones, 44, and his son Lewis Daines, 16, who had been out cycling together in January 2023.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how Yates fled the scene on Royston Road, Barnsley, and was later involved in a second collision with a car.

Yates, of Manor Road, Barnsley, had admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving before he was sentenced on Monday.

Lewis Daines and his father, Dean Jones, were cycling on Royston Road in Barnsley when they were struck by a car driven by Yates

The court was told how on 20 January last year, Yates drove his red Volkswagen Golf while uninsured and only holding a provisional driving licence.

At around 21:00 GMT, he attempted to overtake a vehicle on Royston Road.

However, Yates lost control and left the road before knocking down and fatally injuring Mr Jones and his teenage son.

Yates fled the scene and, despite his car being extremely damaged, continued to drive the vehicle with the bonnet flying up and blocking his view.

A short time later, Yates crashed into the back of a Volkswagen Tiguan, which was carrying a woman and her children, and again failed to stop at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police said the occupants did not suffer any serious injuries.

Yates spent 11 days on the run, before officers caught up with him, with evidence confirming that he had been speeding and drinking prior to the collisions.

Yates also pleaded guilty to four counts of driving a vehicle while uninsured or without a licence and to one count of driving a motor vehicle dangerously.

In addition to his prison sentence, Yates was banned from driving for 13 years.

Sgt John Taylor said his thoughts remained with the family of Mr Jones and Lewis.

He said: "As their heartache continues, they have shown immense strength in supporting us to bring Yates to justice.

“Dean and Lewis lost their lives and Yates has now lost his freedom for some considerable time.

"His children and family will also be affected because of his actions on that night.”