Man jailed for causing fatal crash near Bournemouth Airport

25 year old Tyrone Franklin from Poole didn't stop at the scene

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 26th Jan 2024

A man's been jailed for 11 years for causing the death of a 16 year old in a Christchurch collision, and then fleeing the scene.

25 year old Tyrone Franklin from Poole admitted causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and driving without insurance.

In addition to the prison term, Franklin's also been banned from driving for 10 years, starting when he's released from jail.

What happened?

Police were called to the traffic light junction on Parley Lane, for the entrance to Bournemouth Airport, on the evening of 30th June last year.

16 year old Billy Lardner, who'd been working at the airport, was leaving the site on foot, to be collected by his brother.

As he used the pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights, he was struck by a Honda car and died at the scene.

Billy Lardner died at the scene of the crash last June - struck by a car going at more than double the speed limit there

Members of the public tried to help and witnessed the driver of the Honda, Tyrone Franklin, leaving the vehicle on foot and heading into a nearby hedgerow.

Franklin was arrested in Poole the following afternoon.

Expert reports found he was driving at a speed of around 80 to 85mph at the time of the impact, with the speed limit in the area being 40mph.

CCTV footage was also discovered of Franklin at a pub in Bournemouth, where he could be seen consuming alcohol from around 3.30pm on the day of the collision and was there for several hours.

Detective Constable Michelle Underwood, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said:

“Nothing will ever make up for the unspeakable loss suffered by Billy’s family and loved ones that resulted from Tyrone Franklin’s actions on the night of Friday 30 June 2023.

“His dangerous driving after consuming alcohol was compounded by the fact that he fled the scene in an attempt to escape justice.

“Through our enquiries we were able to identify Franklin as the driver responsible for this tragic incident and ensure he was brought to court to face the consequences of his actions.”

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