Devastated parents are speaking out about the loss of their toddler son, Finley Baker, who died 15 months ago after being involved in a car crash caused by a driver watching TikTok videos. Hristo Iliev, 32, was sentenced last month to over 11 years in prison for causing the death of the 20-month-old.
The fatal collision occurred on March 19 of last year at the A17 Holdingham roundabout near Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Iliev's Volkswagen Passat struck the rear of the Kia being driven by Finley's mother, Chloe Baker, as she was returning from an after-school club. The impact propelled Mrs. Baker's car into another stationary vehicle, leaving Finley unresponsive with a catastrophic head injury. Another child in the car was rendered unconscious for four minutes.
Finley was airlifted to a hospital, where his life support was withdrawn two days later, with his parents cradling him. His parents, Chloe and Daniel Baker, have described their son as a "little ray of sunshine" who was deeply loved and wanted. They shared that Finley had a big personality, was kind, curious, and brought joy to everyone he met. He shared a close bond with his older brother, and they often danced together to music.
In a statement, Finley's parents expressed their grief over the "appalling choices" made by Iliev, noting that they would never hear their son's voice again, nor would they witness his future milestones. They highlighted the "Finley shaped hole" in their lives and stated that his death is impossible to accept given how full of life he was.
Lincoln Crown Court heard that Iliev had been watching TikTok videos for approximately seven minutes prior to the crash. Analysis of his phone revealed he had unlocked the device multiple times to watch videos and clear notifications in the minutes leading up to the collision. Collision investigators estimated that Iliev took no evasive action until he was only 20 feet from Mrs. Baker's car.
Iliev, who had previously been caught by police using his mobile phone while driving a year before this incident, initially provided a prepared statement to police denying phone use. However, the prosecution presented evidence from his seized phone that contradicted his statement. Iliev had no prior convictions but had two previous endorsements on his driving license for using a mobile phone while driving.
Iliev admitted to causing the death of Finley Baker and causing serious injury to Mrs. Baker by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to over 11 years in prison and banned from driving for ten and a half years, after which he must take an automatic retest.
Finley's mother suffered a dislocated arm and significant cuts and bruises in the crash, while the other child sustained a cut leg and a chipped tooth. The family thanked the members of the public who assisted at the scene and the emergency services for their response and help in securing justice for Finley.