A motorist who drove off after killing a Lichfield dog walker has been jailed.
Joshua Butler, 22 and from Scotch Orchard in the city, was sent to prison for four years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.
Forty-year-old Stuart Blackwell was walking his dog Oscar along the Burton Road in Streethay on December 14 when he was hit by a blue Rover 25 driven by Butler, who eventually handed himself in at Lichfield Police Station later in the day.
“Mr Blackwell was a responsible dog walker who took the same route at the same time every week day for eight years,” said DC Andy Weatherley. “His wife and daughter always expected him to return home and when he didn’t it was the worst news they could ever receive.
“The car mounted the pavement and hit Stuart and Oscar before Butler left the scene, only to hand himself in several hours later.
“He is now in prison which will, hopefully, bring some closure for Stuart’s family as they continue to mourn his tragic and unnecessary loss.”
