Dad of boy killed in M62 crash to be sentenced for manslaughter

A DAD has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his son after driving while under the influence of alcohol and crashing his car.

Callum Rycroft, 12, was killed on August 5 this year when a car struck him as he attempted to cross the M62 with his father, Matthew Daniel Rycroft.

Rycroft, 36, of Nowell View, Harehills, Leeds, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via a videolink from prison on Tuesday (September 5).

He pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He was due to attend Leeds General Infirmary the next day to provide a specimen, the court previously heard.

Callum had no speed awareness due to his disability, meaning he should have been under his father’s protection, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Rycroft had visited his parents in Huddersfield with his son after drinking throughout the day.

His parents urged him not to drive and offered him a place to stay overnight, but Rycroft refused and drove away.

His parents called him and pleaded with him to stop driving, but he paid no heed.

Callum was heard in the background saying  ‘Dad… won’t stop.’

Photo of the M62 between Junction 25 and Junction 26, taken shortly after police reopened the motorway (Image: Newsquest)

They also tried to follow him, but Rycroft ignored them, and his Audi was seen being driven erratically in Huddersfield, before joining the M62 at junction 25 at Clifton, near Brighouse.

Witnesses reported seeing Rycroft swerve across lanes on the motorway before colliding with a crash barrier.

Rycroft then managed to exit the motorway at Hartshead services, where he failed to negotiate a sharp bend on the slip road, before hitting the kerb and overturning the car.

Rycroft and Callum then began to walk toward the main carriageway.  Callum called his mother, and dialled 999, but Rycroft told him to end the call.

They were seen to cross the motorway to the central reservation, and then for an unknown reason tried to run back.

Callum was struck by an oncoming vehicle and died instantly.

Tom Neofytou, senior crown prosecutor at the CPS, said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident involving the death of a 12-year-old boy.

“His father’s insistence on driving whilst under the influence of alcohol is beyond comprehension.

"Rycroft continued to drive despite his parents’ best efforts to stop him. His decision to leave the scene of the crash and attempt to cross the motorway whilst responsible for a young boy was reckless folly. 

“Callum paid the ultimate price for his father’s careless and criminal actions, and the rest of his family are left to mourn his loss. Our deepest sympathies remain with them.”

Judge Rodney Jameson remanded Rycroft in custody until his sentencing, which he said would be no earlier than September 19.

The judge told the defendant: “I can’t, I’m afraid, tell you the exact date the court will pass sentence because a decision has to be made as to whether it needs to be dealt with by a high court judge.”

'A beautiful happy soul'

After the incident took place, emergency services ordered the full closure of the M62 in both directions between junctions 25 and 26. 

The closure was put in place overnight while an investigation got underway. 

West Yorkshire Police issued appeals for potential witnesses and dash cam footage of the incident. 

At the time, Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a young boy. We have specialist officers supporting his family at this extremely difficult time."

In the hours following the tragic incident, Callum’s mother issued a heartfelt tribute to her son.

She described how he "brought light, laughter and noise into any room".

In a statement, his mother said: “Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life. He brought light, laughter and noise into any room.

“Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here.

“We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time. We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received.”