Harry Parker, a 14-year-old boy, tragically lost his life after being hit by a car on his way to school.
Just days away from celebrating his 15th birthday, Harry’s death on November 25, 2022, sent shockwaves through his family.
His parents, Adam and Kelly Parker, were devastated when they learned that charges against the woman previously accused of causing Harry’s death would be dropped.
A Shocking Twist in the Legal Case
The woman, Ivy Mwangi, a carer from Redhouse, had been arrested in November 2022, following the incident.
She faced multiple charges, including causing death by careless driving, driving without a license, and driving without insurance.
Despite these charges, a key hearing that was scheduled for December was abruptly called off when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case.
The news of the decision came as a blow to Harry’s family, who had been led to believe that the case was strong and a trial was imminent.
The Parkers were invited to a meeting at a police station in Swindon, where they were informed that the charges would not proceed.
Grieving Parents Feel Betrayed
Adam Parker, Harry’s father, expressed his disbelief, saying, “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”
He went on to voice his frustration with both the police and CPS, stating, “They have failed us. We trusted them to do their job, and they haven’t.”
His wife, Kelly, echoed his sentiments, revealing that they had been reassured throughout the process that justice would be served.
But now, with the case dismissed, they are left with no sense of closure.
CPS Explains the Decision
Tim Cole, Acting Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, explained that the case was carefully reviewed, including consulting a forensic collision expert.
According to Cole, the CPS concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove that the collision could have been avoided, making the driver’s actions not careless enough to warrant a conviction.
The defense team for Ms. Mwangi had raised multiple legal arguments for dismissing the case, leading to a delay in the trial.
After months of hearings and legal battles, the CPS determined there wasn’t a realistic chance of securing a conviction.
Anguish and Anger Over the Outcome
The Parkers were particularly disturbed by evidence presented in court that the driver didn’t stop at the scene of the accident and that she may have been distracted while driving.
Witnesses also reported that there was no indication of the driver braking before the collision.
Adam Parker’s anguish was evident as he reflected on the injustice.
“Our 14-year-old boy lost his life because she wanted to drive her car,” he said.
“It’s unfair. We’re doing time for the rest of our lives, and we’ve lost our boy, but nothing will happen to her.”
He expressed his anger at the lack of consequences for the driver and criticized the legal system, saying, “They might as well say to people, it’s alright, you can drive with no license, drive as you wish. What is the point of any of it?”
Community’s Support for the Family
In the wake of Harry’s tragic death, the community rallied to support the family.
A fundraiser was set up to help cover funeral expenses, raising nearly £25,000.
The family expressed their gratitude for the generosity shown by friends, family, and even strangers, with the goal of giving Harry the send-off he deserved.
Moving Forward
As the family continues to grapple with their loss, they are left questioning what the future holds.
With no justice served for Harry, his parents are determined to keep his memory alive, even as they struggle with the absence of accountability for the person who caused his death.
The heartbreak continues for the Parkers as they seek closure in an increasingly difficult and unjust situation.
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