Watch moment hit and run causes life changing injuries to man

A video has been released of the moment of a serious hit and run collision that left a man with ‘life changing injuries’.

The collision took place in a 20mph zone on Northgate on the Headland in Hartlepool and left 22-year-old Ryan Cameron with a serious head injury.

Liam Kenny, of Miers Avenue, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and banned from driving for 51 months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, June 1, after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, and riding without a licence or insurance.

The video, released by Cleveland Police, shows Kenny in a bar, then speeding through the streets on the bike. 

Detective Constable Aileen Ward, from the Matrix Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This case highlights the devastating consequences that dangerous driving can have on individuals, families and communities.

“This was a 20mph area designed to protect the public, yet Liam Kenny chose to ignore the law.”

Liam Kenny. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Mr Cameron had been out collecting a pizza with his mum when he was hit by a Yamaha 125 motorcycle ridden by Kenny.

He suffered a fractured jaw and skull, as well as bruising and bleeding on the brain.

The court heard Kenny had spent several hours drinking at a nearby pub before taking the motorcycle, which did not belong to him.

He fled the scene after the crash but was later arrested and found to be almost four-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit and 12 times over the limit for benzoylecgonine, a substance linked to cocaine use.

DC Ward said Mr Cameron continues to undergo rehabilitation one year on and has shown “remarkable strength throughout his recovery.”

“Our thoughts remain firmly with the victim, who sustained traumatic and life changing injuries, including a significant brain injury as a result of the collision,” she said.

“The impact on his life is irreversible.

“He supports the road safety message highlighted by this case and hopes that no one else has to experience the same devastating consequences.

“I would also like to thank the witnesses who came forward, along with the Great North Air Ambulance Service, paramedics, off-duty medical personnel and members of the public, whose swift actions and intervention helped to save the victim’s life.

“We hope this case serves as a clear reminder to drivers and riders across Hartlepool and the wider Cleveland area that unsafe and illegal behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.”