// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Family 'devastated' as hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 13, to have early prison release
Kaylan Hippsley was walking with friends towards a youth centre when he was struck by Harley Whiteman's car
The family of a 13-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run say they are "devastated" after being told the driver who caused his death has had his sentence reduced.
Kaylan Hippsley died three days after being struck by a car driven by Harley Whiteman on Brecon Road in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 29 February 2024.
Whiteman was originally sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and banned from driving for eight years and four months but, after Kaylan's family appealed, High Court judges increased the sentence to nine years.
Now, the family has been told Whiteman can be released under licence as early as this autumn as part of the UK government's Sentencing Act early release scheme.
Julie Craig, Kaylan's cousin, says her family have started petition calling for Harley Whiteman to be denied early release from prison
Whiteman, who had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine before the crash, fled the scene before later returning, where he swore at members of the public who were trying to help the critically injured boy.
The court heard Whiteman swerved to avoid another vehicle, mounted the pavement and struck Kaylan, throwing him into the air.
Quashing the original sentence at the High Court in July 2024, Lord Justice Davis said it had been "unduly lenient".
However, Kaylan's family say they have since been informed Whiteman has had his sentence reduced to four years, and is due to be released on licence in the autumn.