Dolars Aleksanders was jailed for nine years and four months at Warwick Crown Court after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving following a hit-and-run crash in Coventry.
The driver fled the scene immediately. Police found the abandoned vehicle more than six miles away on Frederick Road about 20 minutes later, according to reporting from Rayo.
Did You Know? Hundreds of people attended Keaton’s funeral at Coventry Cathedral in July 2024, which featured a sky-blue theme in honour of the boy’s love for Coventry City.
Following the collision, Aleksanders left the UK and traveled to Latvia. West Midlands Police launched a wanted appeal and established him as the prime suspect through their Serious Collision Investigation Unit, as reported by Rayo.
Authorities tracked him to northern Europe, coordinating with Europol, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the National Crime Agency. Aleksanders was extradited back to the UK on August 5 of this year.
Keaton was remembered as a happy, bubbly child with ambitions to play football. His family expressed profound grief during court proceedings and public appearances following the sentencing.
“It will never be closure full stop because we’re always going to mourn our baby not being here, but I haven’t got to worry about that side of it anymore, finally… he’s going to be in prison,” said Louise Slater, Keaton’s mother.
Clint Slater, Keaton’s father, shared the heartbreak of losing his son. “Seeing what he’d grow up to be as well, we’ll never get to know. It’s really heartbreaking,” Clint told reporters.
“Keaton was a 12-year-old boy making his way home from school, and he should have been able to arrive back safely,” said Detective Inspector Sam Lewis from West Midlands Police.
“I will miss him for the rest of my life,” said Detective Chief Inspector Sam Lewis.
“He loved Cov City. He loved watching the games. He loved coming up here,” said Clint Slater outside the CBS Arena.
“I just wish he was here to see them win the Championship and then go up to the Premier League,” Clint continued.
“They have shown such courage in adversity and we thank them for their understanding, support and patience,” according to a statement reported by Greatest Hits Radio.
.jpg?quality=80&format=jpg&width=1200 "Photo: Rayo")
“It’s good the law is changing, but it’s unfortunate it hasn’t kept pace with this case,” said Robert Buckland.
The collision occurred on Radford Road in Coventry shortly after 4.30pm on June 14, 2024.
Aleksanders fled to Latvia after the crash and was extradited back to the UK on August 5, later arriving via Gatwick Airport.
He was sentenced to nine years and four months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.