Hit-and-Run Killer of 7-Year-Old William Brown Escapes Jail
A hit-and-run driver who slammed into seven-year-old William Brown and left him lying “like an animal” on the road has dodged jail time.
Crash on A259 Leaves Child Dead
William was pronounced dead at the scene on December 6 last year after Stewart Powell’s grey Peugeot van struck him on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade near Folkestone. Powell’s vehicle then hurled the boy into the path of another car. Horrifyingly, Powell fled the scene, abandoning William where he lay.
Driver Flees, Calls Police Next Day
Powell, 49, admitted driving off in a panic after the deadly collision. Prosecutor Julie Farbrace told Folkestone Magistrates’ Court that Powell saw paramedics performing CPR on William but chose to run. The next day, Powell called 999, admitting the crash and saying, “the whole f****** thing just stressed me out.” He claimed William suddenly ran in front of his van.
Parents Devastated – Call Driver’s Actions “Inhumane”
“He deserved better,” said William’s mother, Laura Brown, who blasted Powell for leaving her son “like an animal.” “Stewart stood watching the catastrophic incident unfold. He made a conscious decision to get back into his van and leave him. That behaviour is simply inhumane.”
William’s father, William Sr., showed immense grace, forgiving Powell. “It was cowardly not to stop and keep driving, Stewart. I know William would forgive Stewart… I forgive you, Stewart, I give your family peace and restoration.”
Judge Issues Suspended Sentence Despite Shocking Behaviour
Defence lawyer Adrienne Wright said Powell’s actions stemmed from sheer panic and were out of character. “Not a moment passes that he does not regret his decision,” she told the court.
District Judge Claire Loxford said Powell’s punishment would stretch beyond the sentence. She noted Powell’s admission to using cannabis at the time, hindering the police investigation.
Powell pled guilty to failing to stop at the scene and driving without valid insurance. He was handed a 14-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, plus a curfew.
Community Mourns Lost Child
William, a pupil at St Eanswythe Primary School, was laid to rest on January 13 at The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe. Hundreds mourners marched through Folkestone, with 10,000 joining a live stream of the funeral.
After the hearing, Laura Brown expressed raw grief: “It’s really sad, I feel like William was left for dead like an animal. I couldn’t even hurt a dog, cat, or anybody, so the fact William was left to die is quite alarming.”
