2:36pm Saturday 5th April 2008
By Lucinda Adam
THE family of Charlie Harris have said they hope the five-year-old's death will act as a wake up call to drivers who speed.
Neil and Tracy Harris said they were relieved that teenager David Mear had pleaded guilty to causing the death of their son by dangerous driving.
Mear, 19, of Fremantle Road, High Wycombe, was sentenced to 14 months in prison yesterday afternoon at Aylesbury Crown Court.
In a statement, Mr and Mrs Harris said: "The sentencing yesterday of the driver however, does not lessen the pain the family are still feeling at the loss of our beloved little boy, and should the driver have not been speeding in excess of 47mph (calculated speed of impact after applying brakes), Charlie may still have been with us today.
"Charlie's death has impacted the lives of many people outside of his close family and we believe our bright happy little boy will never be forgotten.
"We all miss him greatly.
"We hope that Charlie's death will act as a wake up call to all drivers who speed within built up areas, especially around schools or where there are children on the roadside.
"The Great Kingshill Residents Association is working closely with Hughenden Parish Council to try and provide a safer route for pedestrians to walk along the stretch of Cockpit Road where the tragic accident occurred.
"Had a footpath been provided here we still feel the accident would not have happened."
The family thanked emergency services who attended the scene of the collision in Cockpit Road on September 21 last year, the staff at the John Radcliff Paediatrics unit who cared for Charlie, and police officers involved for their "continued support and compassion".
The also expressed gratitude to Beacon Funeral Services in Hazlemere. Donations collected by Beacon in memory of Charlie totalled nearly £6000.
The sum will be split between the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Charlie's school at Great Kingshill, where his parent hope to create a permanent tribute to him for his friends to enjoy.
Mr and Mrs Harris added: "For those who knew Charlie, please remember him as the fun-loving and happy five-year-old who lived his short life to the full.
"We would like to thank everyone for their donations and condolences, and to others for their continued support."
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