A father is sharing his heartbreak after the tragic death of his 10-year-old son, Charlie Lowe, caused by a speeding driver. The incident occurred in Walton, Liverpool, when John Harkins crashed into Charlie, who later passed away in the hospital. Charlie’s mother, Lisa, had parked her car on Abingdon Road and was letting her sons out of the vehicle when the accident happened.
The collision took place as Charlie was crossing the road towards a supermarket. Harkins, the driver, expressed deep remorse at the scene, stating that the boy had run out in front of him. Harkins, who had a clean driving record prior to the incident, admitted to speeding but claimed he was unaware of his exact speed at the time.
During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Harkins tearfully apologised to Charlie’s family. The collision investigation revealed that Harkins was driving at 51mph in a 20mph zone. Despite being sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, Harkins acknowledged that the pain and loss felt by Charlie’s family far outweigh any punishment he could receive.
In their emotional statements, Charlie’s parents described their son as a bright, football-loving boy and shared how his loss has left a permanent void in their lives. Charlie’s father expressed that reminders of his son are everywhere, from everyday activities to shared moments on Netflix. The grieving parents highlighted the immense impact of losing Charlie and the ongoing struggle to cope with his absence.
The judge acknowledged the devastating impact of Charlie’s death on his family and emphasised the importance of driving safely, especially in areas where children are likely to be present. Despite Harkins’s remorse and apology, he was given a lengthy prison sentence and a driving ban. The judge reiterated that while Harkins would eventually be released from prison, Charlie’s family would continue to endure their loss for the rest of their lives.
The heartbreaking account of Charlie Lowe’s untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and lasting effects of reckless driving. The devastated parents are left to grapple with their grief and the irreplaceable loss of their beloved son, while the driver grapples with the consequences of his actions. The tragedy underscores the importance of road safety and the devastating impact of dangerous driving on families and communities.