A 25-YEAR-OLD who caused the death of teenager Billy Lardner in a crash in Christchurch has been jailed.

Tyrone Franklin, of Poole, fled the scene of the crash, which happened at around 9.30pm on June 30 last year.

He admitted charges of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and driving without valid insurance.

As well as being jailed for 11 years, Franklin was also disqualified from driving for a period of 10 years, with the ban due to commence when he is released from prison.

Billy, 16, and from Christchurch, died after the crash on Parley Lane, near the traffic light junction at the entrance to Bournemouth Airport, when he was hit by a Honda Civic driven by Franklin.

The teen had spent the evening working at the airport and left work at around 9.30pm. He was approaching the traffic light junction outside the airport when he saw his brother, who had come to collect him, stopped at the lights in his vehicle.

As Billy went over the pedestrian crossing, he was struck by the Honda, which was coming from the direction of Chapel Gate.

Members of the public went to assist and witnessed the driver of the Honda leaving the vehicle on foot and heading into a nearby hedgerow.

Searches were carried out in the area, but the driver of the Honda was not found.

Following enquiries, Franklin was located at an address in Poole the following afternoon and arrested.

Tyrone Franklin has been jailed for 11 years. Picture: Dorset Police

Expert reports into the collision said the Civic was travelling at a speed of around 80mph to 85mph at the time of the impact, with the speed limit in the area 40mph.

Further investigative work uncovered CCTV footage of the defendant at a pub in Bournemouth, where he could be seen consuming alcohol from around 3.30pm on the day of the collision for a period of several hours.

READ MORE: Family pays tribute to Christchurch teenager Billy Lardner after tragic crash

Detective Constable Michelle Underwood, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “Nothing will ever make up for the unspeakable loss suffered by Billy’s family and loved ones that resulted from Tyrone Franklin’s actions on the night of June 30, 2023.

“His dangerous driving after consuming alcohol was compounded by the fact that he fled the scene in an attempt to escape justice.

“Through our enquiries we were able to identify Franklin as the driver responsible for this tragic incident and ensure he was brought to court to face the consequences of his actions.”