Tragedy Strikes Folkestone: Community Mourns as Young Boy's Life Cut Short in Hit-and-Run

A Town United in Grief: Folkestone Faces the Aftermath of a Devastating Loss

The Heartbreaking Incident

In the twilight of a December evening, the streets of Folkestone were marred by a calamity that would leave an indelible mark on the town. Young William, known for his exuberant love for football and admiration for sports icons, met a tragic fate right outside his home on the bustling A259 Sandgate Esplanade. The boy, in a moment of innocent play, had leapt over his front yard wall in pursuit of a stray football when disaster struck.

The collision, a harrowing scene, involved a crimson-hued Citroen and a slate-grey Peugeot van. In a turn of events that compounded the tragedy, the van was reported to have fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of chaos and the young boy in its wake.

The Investigation Unfolds

As the town reeled from the shock, law enforcement and emergency medical teams were swiftly at the scene. Despite their efforts, the boy's injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced deceased amidst the cold pavement. The following day, a man was taken into custody, marking the beginning of a meticulous inquiry by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit of Kent Police.

The investigation, thorough and unyielding, revealed that two vehicles were implicated in the incident. The authorities worked tirelessly to piece together the events that led to the young boy's untimely demise.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Stewart Powell, a 49-year-old man, found himself entangled in the legal aftermath of the incident. Charged with the grave offense of failing to halt post-collision and operating a vehicle without valid insurance, Powell's actions were under intense scrutiny. The insurance complexities added another layer to the case, as the vehicle, though insured, was not operated within the policy's stipulated terms.

With the wheels of justice beginning to turn, Powell was granted bail with the condition of appearing before the local magistrates' court on a designated date in late May.

A Community in Mourning

The fabric of Folkestone was torn by the loss of young William, a boy whose zest for life and love for his community was well-known. The town collectively felt the void left by his absence, and the grief was palpable in the air. In the days following the tragedy, William's parents, Laura and William Brown, voiced a poignant appeal, seeking solace in the possibility of laying their son to rest in a place he held dear.

Their words echoed the sentiments of a bereaved family, a reflection of the anguish that had befallen them. The community rallied around them, sharing in their sorrow and offering support in a time of unimaginable pain.

A Final Resting Place

William's mother, in her heartache, expressed a wish for her son to be interred in the ancient burial grounds of St Eanswythe's Church of England school, a place where William had spent joyous days. She envisioned a resting place amidst the heart of the community that her son cherished, a sanctuary where his spirit could continue to be a part of the daily lives of his schoolmates and family.

The image of William, foraging for conkers, harvesting wild garlic, and brandishing a stick in play, painted a vivid picture of a boy deeply connected to the natural world around him. His mother's wish was for him to be surrounded by the community and nature he loved, a sentiment that resonated deeply with all who knew him.