Man jailed for motorbike hit-and-run which resulted in talented nine-year-old gymnast needing leg amputation

A motorcyclist who hit a nine-year-old boy - resulting in him needing his leg amputated - has been jailed for three years.

Talented gymnast and dancer Max Clark was taking pictures for a dance class assignment on playing fields in Hull when he was struck by a motorbike being driven along the footpath at full speed.

The rider, Jerome Cawkwell, failed to stop at the scene and was also topless and wearing no helmet when he hit Max at Rosmead playing fields on Monday, May 25.

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The 24-year-old later admitted he had never held a licence and had never taken a CBT course to ride provisionally.

Max Clark (left), who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell (right) on a motorbike in HullMax Clark (left), who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell (right) on a motorbike in Hull
Max Clark (left), who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell (right) on a motorbike in Hull

He was jailed at Hull Crown Court today (Friday) after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, using a vehicle without insurance and using a vehicle not in efficient working order, as police said he would have to "live with the knowledge that he has changed this little boy’s life forever".

Officers at Humberside Police have praised Max's bravery and positivity despite losing his leg, issuing a warning to anyone caught riding motorbikes dangerously or anti-socially.

Chief Inspector Paul Butler said: “Firstly I want to praise Max and his family for their bravery and positivity. The injuries Max suffered - on what should have been a happy, carefree, family day out to meet friends - will affect him for the rest of his life.

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“However, every officer who has spent time with him has remarked on what a happy, positive young man he is. He’s an inspiration and I know he has touched the hearts of all those who have worked on this case."

Max Clark, who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell on a motorbike in HullMax Clark, who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell on a motorbike in Hull
Max Clark, who needed a leg amputation after being hit by Jerome Cawkwell on a motorbike in Hull

Chief Insp Butler added: “Jerome Cawkwell has not only lost his freedom today but he also has to live with the knowledge that he has changed this little boy’s life forever.

“For those who choose to ignore this warning and continue to put themselves and others at risk, I have a simple message for you. We will not tolerate it and we will find you."

Humberside Police's Operation Yellowfin has been seizing motorbikes and quadbikes and making arrests to crack down on anti-social riders.

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The chief inspector added: “Our teams will be relentless in tracking you down, seizing your bikes and preventing you from causing harm to our communities. We have no intention of easing the pressure on those who choose to behave this way and by working together we can make a big difference."