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A teenager has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in custody after he caused the tragic death of a boy in a road traffic collision.
Billy Conroy, 17, was driving a silver Mazda on Stamfordham Road in Newcastle Shortly after 1am on June 10 when he left the road and collided with a post and railings.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, one of the passengers, 15-year-old Conner Loder, died at the scene.
An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and Conroy was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, disqualified driving and driving without insurance.
He admitted all of the offences at Newcastle Crown Court in August.
Conroy, of Ellesmere Road, Newcastle, was back before the same court today where he was sentenced to five years and six months in custody, with a licence period further extended by three years. He was also disqualified from driving for eight years and eight months and must complete an extended test.
Five other males, aged between 13 and 27, who were previously arrested in connection with the incident were later told they will face no further action.
Conner, who was the eldest of six siblings, was known to friends as “Loder”. He had a passion for computer games and also loved spending time outdoors.
Following his death his family said: “Such a big part has been taken from us. We’ve never experienced pain like it as a family. We miss him every single day.”
Following the sentencing hearing, Sergeant Russell Surrey, of the Force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with the family and loved ones of Conner at what continues to be an extremely difficult time for them.
“This was a tragic incident in which a child with his whole life ahead of him has been killed.”
He added: “If there is anything to take from this case then it is to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are not qualified to drive and uninsured.
“All too often we see the tragic consequences of those who choose to drive dangerously, with no regard for the safety of others. This case should be a deterrent to all those who engage in this type of offending. The laws of the road are there for a reason.”
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