Family of Kaylan Hippsley devastated by hit-and-run driver's early release

hit-and-run early release Sentencing Act Rhondda Cynon Taf prison sentence reduction

The family of 13-year-old Kaylan Hippsley has expressed devastation after learning that Harley Whiteman, the driver responsible for his death in a hit-and-run, is eligible for early release from prison.

Whiteman struck Hippsley on Brecon Road in Hirwaun on February 29, 2024, after consuming alcohol and cocaine. The driver initially fled the scene before returning and behaving aggressively toward bystanders. While High Court judges had previously increased Whiteman's sentence to nine years in July 2024, citing the original sentence as "unduly lenient," the family reports his sentence has since been reduced to four years due to a review under the Sentencing Act.

As a result of this reduction, Whiteman may be released on licence as early as this autumn. The family has launched a petition to deny his early release, with Kaylan's cousin, Julie Craig, describing the news as "a kick in the teeth."

Entities

Harley Whiteman · High Court · Kaylan Hippsley

Sources

Family of Kaylan Hippsley devastated as killer Harley Whiteman to be freed early [www.bbc.co.uk]

6 days ago

Family 'devastated' as hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 13, to have early prison release [ca.news.yahoo.com]

6 days ago

Hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 13, set to be freed after two years [www.dailymail.com]

5 days ago