A TEENAGER who killed a pedestrian he hit with a car stolen from Rainford has been jailed.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that on the evening of Thursday, April 13, a black Audi S8 car had collided with a pedestrian and then crashed into a house on Morgan Mews in Netherton.

Sadly the pedestrian, 63-year-old David Francis from Litherland, was confirmed as dead at the scene.

The Audi S8 had been stolen in a burglary in the early hours of that day in the Harrison Drive area of Rainford.St Helens Star: Liverpool Crown CourtLiverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock)



On April 21, detectives arrested and charged 17-year-old Lewis Wright with death by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured and aggravated taking of a motor vehicle without consent.

At an earlier court hearing the juvenile pleaded guilty to the charge of death by dangerous driving.

Today, Friday, June 30, at Liverpool Crown Court he was sentenced to four years in prison and reporting restrictions were lifted for him to be publicly named.

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Speaking about the verdict, Detective Inspector Jay Halpin said: “This was truly a horrific incident in which an innocent member of the public was tragically killed by a stolen car, which shocked the community.

“The victim, David, was very well-known in the area and would regularly be seen doing what he loved which was running and he was affectionately known as the ‘Litherland Running Man’.

“Nobody can begin to understand the impact and the circumstances of David’s sudden death has had on his family and friends, but I hope that this conviction will give them a sense of justice.

“Also hope that Wright reflects his time in prison of the fatal consequences and distress he has caused to David’s family.”