Cowardly driver who fled after hitting and killing pedestrian on Yorkshire road is jailed

Kyle Charlesworth, 28, from Goldthorpe, Barnsley, was driving without a licence and was uninsured when he was behind the wheel of his Seat Ibiza that collided with Paul Collins, 68, in October 2021.

Moments earlier Charlesworth had driven off after failing to stop for the police, travelling at more than twice the speed limit.

Paul ‘Joseph’ Collins, was found injured and was treated by officers and ambulance staff, but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on East Park Parade in the East End Park area of Leeds.

Charlesworth fled the scene of the collision but was later arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured and unlicensed.Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today, Charlesworth, who admitted the charges at an earlier hearing, was jailed for six years and nine months.

He was also banned from driving for five years which will start when he is released from prison.

The court heard from members of Mr Collins’ family who said that, prior to his death, they were in the process of reuniting with him after being estranged for a number of years. However, Charlesworth had taken this opportunity away from them. The family were thankful that Charlesworth had admitted his guilt.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Clare Barran said: “Kyle Charlesworth made a conscious decision to drive in the manner that he did on that night and showed no consideration whatsoever for anyone other than himself. Mr Collins was struck down having done nothing wrong and lost his life as a result.

“Our sympathies remain with the family of Mr Collins who have suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one in such an avoidable case.”