DRIVER WHO KILLED OUR BOY GOT OFF SCOT-FREE
Michael and Stacey name little boy after the man who tried to save little lad lying in road
CRADLING their beautiful newborn son, Michael and Stacey Pringle can’t help but feel heartbroken that he will never get the chance to meet his brave big brother.
But the memory of little “lionheart” Clinton, three, will live on as their new arrival is named after the hero who battled in vain to save him.
The Scots couple named the six-week-old Leyton Francisco after Francisco Gouveia, who raced to pull Clinton from under the wheels of a van.
Clinton was on holiday on Jersey last June when he was struck by Rebekah Le Gal as he crossed a road in St Helier.
He died of his injuries four days later in hospital in Southampton.
Michael, 50, from Moodiesburn near Glasgow, said: “We will always be grateful for what Francisco did.
“He got Clinton out from under the wheels and that wasn’t easy. Seeing Clinton so badly injured must have been very difficult for him and this is our way of thanking him for what he did.
“We told Francisco we were naming the little one after him and he was incredibly touched.
“He’s a gorgeous wee boy and he looks just like Clinton. He’s got the same blond hair and easy-going personality.
“He’s a brilliant baby and it has given us joy during a very difficult time. We’ve been to hell and back and now we have a new focus.
“He will always have a lasting bond with the big brother he never got the chance to meet.”
Michael and Stacey said they were let down by the system when Le Gal, 39, was handed an eight-month suspended sentence in July after being cleared of dangerous driving at Jersey’s Royal Court.
She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.
The court was told she was texting just before hitting Clinton in June last year on a “shared space” road that was only meant to be used for local access.
Stacey and Clinton’s aunt Melissa Anderson screamed and waved their arms to alert Le Gal but were unable to stop her hitting the toddler.
Le Gal will serve no time in prison and was banned from driving for just 30 months. Michael wanted similar punishment to that handed yesterday to Luke Pirie, 24. He was jailed for six years for killing two-year-old Harlow Edwards after texting at the wheel in Coupar Angus, Perthshire.
Michael said: “It’s sickening that Pirie was jailed for six years, while Le Gal has walked away scot-free.
“This highlights the serious failures in Jersey’s judicial system. Both drivers killed two children yet only one has been punished.”
The devastated dad has written to Prime Minister Theresa May calling for support in seeking justice.
Michael travelled to London last month with campaigners to deliver a petition calling for the government to review the use of so-called shared road spaces.
He said: “I made the point that Jersey is not accountable to anybody. I have tried speaking to the Attorney General in England and Wales but they said they have no jurisdiction on the island.
“I have lost all faith in the justice system.”
Michael does not think the layout of the road in Jersey was the cause of his son’s death but feels it was a contributing factor. He added: “Stacey shouted to Clinton to get out of the road when she saw the van but he did not know where to run. Perhaps if there had been a pavement he might have been able to get out of the way.
“We have been informed that we cannot appeal the acquittal of Le Gal, but we still believe the judge’s direction should be scrutinised on a point of law, as the outcome of this particular case could set a dangerous precedent for any future case where a mobile phone has been a factor.”
Stacey and Michael will make sure little Leyton grows up knowing all about Clinton and their home is filled with pictures of the youngster.
Michael said: “We will never forget what an amazing child he was. He loved going to football with me every Saturday and playing with his toys. He was our best wee pal.
“Leyton will know all about his big brother and he will always be part of our lives.”