Parents of boy killed in 'hit-and-run' fighting after charges dropped

The parents of a 14-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car have said they have been 'failed' by the police and Crown Prosecution Service after charges were dropped against the woman previously accused of killing the teenager.

Harry Parker was days from celebrating his 15th birthday when he died on November 25, 2022, after being struck by a car on the way to school. 

The vehicle reportedly did not stop at the scene. 

Ivy Mwangi, a carer from Redhouse, was arrested in November 2022 and charged in March 2024 leading to several court hearings.

Earlier this year, her defence counsel argued for the case to be dismissed and a hearing was adjourned until December.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service has now decided not to pursue the charges against the carer ahead of the hearing. 

Harry's parents Adam and Kelly Parker were told of the decision when they were called for a surprise meeting at a police station in Swindon.

The grieving father-of-three, Adam Parker, told the Swindon Advertiser: 'I couldn't believe what I was hearing'.

Adding: 'The police and the CPS have failed us, we trusted them to do their job and they haven't'.

His wife explained how throughout the process they had been 'promised' that the case was 'strong' and that a trial would go ahead but have now said 'there will be nothing'. 

Tim Cole, acting deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex said the service examined the case in 'great detail' but that it has 'become clear there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that this collision could reasonably have been avoided, and therefore that the driving was careless.

Ms Mwangi first appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death by driving while unlicensed as well as causing death by driving while uninsured.

She pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty to driving without a licence at Swindon Crown Court.

However, she failed to enter a plea to the other two charges and therefore a trial date was set for February 24, 2025.

In August this year, Ms Mwangi's legal counsel raised several legal arguments to get the case dismissed and Judge Jason Tyler KC set a hearing for September 27 for the legal argument to be heard, but this was adjourned until December 6 ahead of the trial.

However, the charges have now been dropped as there isn't enough evidence for a conviction, according to the CPS.

Harry's parents claim it was heard in the Magistrates court how the driver 'did not stop at the time' how she was 'allegedly distracted' and how witnesses had said 'there was no change in her braking'.

Heartbroken Adam added: 'They might as well say to people, it's alright, you can drive with no licence, drive as you wish, go and do whatever you want to do, what is the point of any of it?

'Our 14-year-old boy lost his life because she wanted to drive her car, it's unfair we're doing time for the rest of our lives and we've lost our boy, but nothing will happen to her.'

He added the police and CPS 'failed us' saying: 'We trusted them to do their job and they haven't'.

Mother Kelly added: 'There's no justice for Harry at all.'

Tim Cole, Acting Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, told MailOnline: 'Our thoughts remain with the family of Harry Parker for their tragic loss.

'We keep every case under review to make sure that there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

'We examined this case in great detail – including obtaining the advice of a forensic collision expert – and it has become clear that there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that this collision could reasonably have been avoided, and therefore that the driving was careless.

'We have met with Harry's family to explain to them our decision.'

Following the 14-year-old's death, a fundraiser was set up to help the family which gathered £24,951 in donations.

It said: 'As you all know our family lost a beautiful boy Harry on Friday 25th November. We have all had a lot of messages asking how people can help, we all think the best way for people to help is to raise money to give Harry the best send-off he deserves.

'I want to do this to take the pressure off of Harry’s mum dad and three brothers.'

Wiltshire Police have been contacted for comment.