Leeds Dad Sentenced for Manslaughter of 12-Year-Old Son
Matthew Rycroft, 37, from Nowell View, Leeds, appeared at Leeds Crown Court today. He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his 12-year-old son, Callum Rycroft. Alongside this, he admitted dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
Rycroft was handed a prison sentence and banned from driving for nine years and seven months.
Drunken Crash on M62 Claims Young Life
The court heard how on the evening of Saturday, 5 August, Rycroft spent the day drinking in Huddersfield before setting off home in his Audi Q5 with Callum. Around 9.30pm, he crashed on the M62 westbound exit slip near Hartshead Moor Services.
Both got out and walked through the service station, then onto the eastbound motorway. Just 15 minutes later, police were called about two people walking in live lanes. Tragically, Callum was struck by a Toyota C-HR and died at the scene.
Calls for Help Ignored Despite Family Pleas
It emerged Callum had contacted his mother and dialled 999. Matthew forced him to end the calls. Family members had also begged Matthew to stop driving, but he ignored their warnings.
“Matthew Rycroft should have been one of the people Callum trusted most to keep him safe,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones. “Tragically, he put them both in danger. Matthew’s actions have left a family shattered, and Callum paid the ultimate price.”
Heartbreaking Tribute to Callum
In a victim personal statement read to court, Callum’s mother, Claire Bancroft, described her son’s joyful spirit despite his spina bifida and autism diagnosis at four.
“Callum should have had the chance to grow up, go to college, and live a full life. He had so much potential and a bright future ahead,” Claire said.
“What makes this worse is my children have lost both their dad and their brother. Matthew has torn our family apart with his selfishness and broken Callum’s trust.”
“Our family are devastated. Callum had such a big presence; we miss everything about him. He was loved by everyone and will never be forgotten.”
