The family of Kaylan Hippsley, 13, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident, have expressed devastation and disbelief after learning that his killer, Harley Whiteman, 19, is scheduled for early release from prison. Whiteman is expected to be freed under license this autumn, having served just two years of his sentence.
Kaylan was struck and killed on the evening of February 29, 2024, in the village of Hirwaun, South Wales, as he stood with friends outside a Co-op store. Whiteman, driving a Ford Fiesta at an estimated speed of 40 to 60 mph, swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, mounted the kerb, and hit Kaylan, causing fatal injuries. Kaylan died in hospital on March 3, never having regained consciousness.
Whiteman was initially sentenced to six years and nine months imprisonment and banned from driving for over eight years. Following an appeal by Kaylan's family, a High Court judge increased the sentence to nine years. However, the family was later informed that the sentence had been reduced to four years, with eligibility for release on license after serving two years.
Julie Craig, Kaylan's cousin, stated that the family received notification of the change in Whiteman's prison conditions two weeks prior. "It beggars belief that after two years he's allowed back into the community," Craig told the BBC. "Kaylan's grandmother, who is his legal guardian, is absolutely distraught. She's been unable to return to the home she shared with him. This just feels like a kick in the teeth."
The family is advocating for the decision to be reversed and believes Kaylan's age at the time of the incident should be a significant factor. "If it means building new prisons, then that's what they need to do," Craig added.
Witness accounts from the scene described Whiteman becoming agitated after the crash. He allegedly made dismissive remarks to a student nurse attempting to perform CPR on Kaylan and a bystander who questioned him about his car. He was reportedly intoxicated and had to be restrained by police upon their arrival.
Kaylan Hippsley was a pupil at Aberdare Community School and a keen football and rugby player. He lived with his grandmother, Kay Hippsley, and his sister, Olivia, paid tribute to him, stating, "Harley Whiteman has taken something from our family that can never be given back." She described Kaylan as a "bright, intelligent young boy who had his whole life ahead of him."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson commented on early release schemes, noting the government's intent to "block more offenders from getting out sooner into their sentence" but cautioned against actions that could lead to "prisons reaching capacity and collapsing," which they stated would impact the justice system's ability to make arrests and remand offenders.
The ministry added that efforts are underway to "protect the public and cut crime" through building prison places, expanding tagging for community punishments, and increasing support for victims, including giving them a say in offenders' license conditions.