Grieving parents 'failed' as driving charges dropped

The parents of a teenager who died after being hit by a car say they have been "failed" after charges against the driver accused of killing him were dropped.

Harry Parker, 14, died after being struck by a car on Akers Way in Swindon on 25 November 2022.

Ivy Mwangi, a carer from Redhouse, was charged with causing death by careless driving and causing death while driving without a licence, but those charges were dropped last week due to a lack of evidence.

Harry's mum, Kelly Parker, said: "The only bit of strength that carried me through was that we're going to get justice, but now that's all been chucked out the window, there's nothing."

The trial of Ms Mwangi was expected in the New Year but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said forensic tests did not show enough evidence "to demonstrate the driving was careless".

"The only people doing a life sentence is us," said Adam Parker, Harry's dad.

"He was the glue that held us all together, now he's gone we're falling apart."

Harry had been walking to school when he was fatally injured outside Nova Hreod Academy, five days before his 15th birthday.

Harry Parker, 14, died after being hit by a car on Akers Way

Mr and Mrs Parker said the CPS had now "failed" them and "failed Harry".

They were called to an unexpected meeting at Gablecross Police Station on 13 November.

"A CPS barrister stood there and said 'there's no easy way to say this, but the case is being thrown out, it's not going to court, it's not going to trial'," said Mrs Parker.

"We just couldn't take it in, we've been led to believe all this time that we're going to get justice - at a click of a finger it's all been chucked out."

Tim Cole, acting deputy chief crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said their thoughts remained with Harry's family and confirmed they had met with them to explain the decision.

“We keep every case under review to make sure that there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction," he said.

“We examined this case in great detail – including obtaining the advice of a forensic collision expert – and it has become clear that there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that this collision could reasonably have been avoided, and therefore that the driving was careless."

A memorial to Harry remains on Akers Way at the crossing opposite his school

Mr Parker said he did not understand how the evidence has changed.

"Nothing has changed, she still hasn't got a licence," he said.

"Accidents happen, we understand that, however, she was driving illegally and she didn't stop."

Driving unlicensed is a summary offence, meaning that charges must be brought within six months of the offence being committed. Now that this timeframe has passed Ms Mwangi can not be charged with driving unlicensed.

Signs surround the pedestrian crossing opposite Nova Hreod Academy

The family are now speaking with their MP, Will Stone, and planning a petition in an attempt to change legislation around causing death whilst driving unlicensed.

"In cases like this the law is wrong," said Mr Parker.

Causing death by driving unlicensed carries a maximum sentence of two years’ custody.

"We think that's crazy, death by no licence is dangerous otherwise why are we all getting licences," he added.

Supt Guy Elkins, from Wiltshire Police, said: “We recognise the distress that this decision will have caused to Harry’s family.

“Wiltshire Police will continue to work closely with the Parker family to ensure they are kept informed about any further developments with this case.”