Sean Hamilton’s parents thanked the police for their help in tracking down their son’s hit-and-run killer.

Ronnie and Sharon Hamilton gripped each other’s hands tightly as they spoke outside York Crown Court.

Ronnie said: “We want to say thank you to the investigating officer, the police and every one of our family and friends who have supported us over the last year.

“Without their help we would not be here today.”

Mr Hamilton said he felt the sentence was the right one, but said he thought there should have been three people in the dock – not just Smith, but also the two passengers in the vehicle who ran away following the incident.

He said Smith had “eventually” done the right thing, adding: “We have no wish to ruin another life. Enough lives have been ruined in the past year.”

But friends of Smith shouted abuse as the Hamiltons spoke, accusing them of not looking after their children.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “I am pleased with the sentence that the judge has given John Smith.

“This has been a difficult and complex investigation, not least because it centred around the tragic and senseless death of a ten-year-old child, Sean Hamilton.

“Following the collision Smith showed callous disregard for Sean. Instead he fled the scene, thinking only of himself, leaving (Sean) with horrific injuries.

“A significant factor that meant this avoidable collision resulted in a young child dying is that Smith was travelling significantly faster than the limit set for the road. I would urge everyone to think about how fast they are travelling in a built-up area.”


Police welcome killer driver's sentence

POLICE have welcomed the jailing of a hit-and-run driver who killed 10-year-old schoolboy Sean Hamilton.

Speaking outside the court, Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley, the senior investigating officer in the case said: “I am pleased with the sentence that the judge has today given John Smith.

“This has been a difficult and complex investigation, not least because it centred around the tragic and senseless death of a ten-year-old child, Sean Hamilton.

“Following the collision Smith showed callous disregard for Sean, instead he fled the scene thinking only of himself, leaving him with horrific injuries.

“A significant factor that meant this avoidable collision resulted in a young child dying is that Smith was travelling significantly faster than the limit set for the road. I would urge everyone to think about how fast they are travelling in a built up area.

“Throughout the enquiry it has been the aim of all officers involved to ensure Sean’s family saw justice done and his killer given an appropriate sentence.”