Family of 13-year-old victim upset as driver’s sentence cut and early release possible
The relatives of Kayvan Hippsley, who died after a hit-and-run in February 2024, have been told the offender’s term may be reduced to four years with possible release this autumn.
On 29 February 2024, 13-year-old Kayvan Hippsley died three days after being hit by a car driven by Harley Whiteman on Brecon Road in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Whiteman, who had consumed alcohol and cocaine before the crash, fled the scene, later returned and shouted at onlookers. The High Court deemed his original six-year-nine-month sentence “unduly lenient” and raised it to nine years.
Under the Sentencing Act early-release provisions, officials have now reduced the term to four years, allowing possible licence release in the autumn. The victim’s family, including cousin Julie Craig, described the news as a “kick in the teeth” and have launched a petition to block the early release. The Ministry of Justice warned that limiting early releases could strain prison capacity and impact public safety.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between victim-family concerns and government policies on prison overcrowding and early release.
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