Tyrone Franklin, a 25-year-old scaffolder from Poole, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a devastating incident at Bournemouth Airport that claimed the life of 16-year-old Billy Lardner.
The incident occurred on June 30, 2023, when Franklin, under the influence of alcohol, struck Billy at an excessive speed of up to 85mph, resulting in a fatal collision.
The Fateful Night
Billy Lardner, having just finished work at an airport restaurant, was about to receive a lift home from his brother, Drew, when the tragedy unfolded.
Franklin, having consumed three pints of lager and two double whiskies with lemonades, recklessly sped past Bournemouth Airport. As Billy attempted to enter Drew’s parked car, he was hit by Franklin’s Honda Civic, resulting in a collision that claimed his life.
The Aftermath
Thrown 20ft through the air, Billy was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. Drew, who witnessed the collision, had the heartbreaking task of informing his parents.
The immediate aftermath saw Billy’s mother, Anna, an NHS nurse, confronted with the devastating sight of her son’s body lying on the road. Franklin, a father himself, fled the scene through a hedge but was apprehended the following day.
Victim Impact and Legal Proceedings
Drew, in a harrowing victim impact statement, described the trauma of witnessing his brother’s tragic end. He recounted the vivid flashbacks of the collision and expressed his deep emotional scars.
Franklin pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and driving without valid insurance.
In sentencing, Judge Susan Evans KC termed the incident an “utter tragedy” and a “cruel twist” that Drew had witnessed. Franklin was sentenced to 11 years in prison and a ten-year driving ban upon release.
Family’s Anguish and Grieving Process
Billy’s family, devastated by the loss, shared the anguish of the aftermath. Drew vividly recalled his brother’s last moments, expressing deep emotional wounds. Billy’s parents, expressing guilt and profound sorrow, highlighted the immense pain of losing a young life with promising plans for the future.
Conclusion and Law Enforcement Perspective
Judge Evans emphasized the severity of Franklin’s actions, noting his impairment due to alcohol consumption and describing his escape from the scene as cowardly.
Detective Constable Michelle Underwood of Dorset Police acknowledged the irreparable loss suffered by Billy’s family and emphasized Franklin’s dangerous driving compounded by fleeing the scene.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the profound impact on the lives of the victims and their families.