EXCLUSIVE Pictured: Father accused of causing death of his 12-year-old son who was killed in hit-and-run crash as they walked on the M62
EXCLUSIVE Pictured: Father accused of causing death of his 12-year-old son who was killed in hit-and-run crash as they walked on the M62
- Callum Rycroft died after being hit by a car between J25 and J26 on Saturday
- Matthew Rycroft, 36, is accused of causing or allowingthe teenager’s death
This is the first picture of the disabled father accused of causing or allowing the death of his 12-year-old son who was killed in a hit and run crash while walking on the M62.
Matthew Rycroft, 36, – seen here at the wedding of his mother Julie and stepfather Brian Reeve – is said to have crashed an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead Moor Services, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
He and his son Callum left the car and began walking along the eastbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 25 and 26 when they were hit by a Toyota C-HR at about 9.50pm on Saturday.
Callum was killed while his father suffered minor injuries.
The Toyota driver, a 47-year-old man, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of causing death[2] by dangerous driving but later released on bail pending further inquiries.
This is the first picture of Matthew Rycroft, a disabled father accused of causing or allowing the death of his 12-year-old son who was killed in a hit and run crash while walking on the M62
Callum Rycroft (pictured) was hit by a car and killed while walking on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 25 and 26 at about 9.50pm on Saturday
Callum was walking on the M62 with his father after an earlier collision involving an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead services (pictured)
Rycroft appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday[3] morning with cuts, grazes and bruises to his forehead and right cheek.
Flanked by two dock officers and dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
Rycroft, of Nowell View, Leeds, is charged with three offences: being a member of the same household allowing or causing the death of a child, dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen at Leeds General Infirmary.
The dangerous driving is understood to have occurred on North Street and Luck Lane, in the Marsh area of Huddersfield shortly before the crash on the motorway.
Prosecutor Vanessa Jones described the death of Callum as ‘very sad’ and asked District Judge David Kitson to remand Rycroft into custody until his appearance at Leeds Crown Court.
Defending, Louise Stead, made no application for bail.
No members of Callum’s family were in the public gallery for the two minute hearing.
Judge Kitson told Rycroft, who showed no emotion in court, that he will next appear before Leeds Crown Court on 5 September.
Police were seen in the carriageway of the M62 on Saturday night after Callum was hit by a Toyota C-HR car
In a statement, Callum’s mother paid a tribute to her son.
She said: ‘Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life. He brought light, laughter and noise into any room.
‘Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here.
‘We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time. We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received.’
West Yorkshire Police officers are continuing enquiries into the collision.
References
- ^ James Fielding (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ arrested on suspicion of causing death (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday (www.dailymail.co.uk)