Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed 13-Year-Old Boy Receives Early Prison Release

The family of 13-year-old Harley Whiteman has expressed profound devastation following the early release of the driver responsible for his death. Jack Oldfield, 28, was sentenced to six years and four months in prison in July 2023 for causing death by dangerous driving after hitting Harley with his car and fleeing the scene in Sheffield in January 2023.

Oldfield, who had no licence or insurance, was travelling at speed when he struck Harley. He then abandoned his vehicle and reported it stolen in an attempt to evade responsibility. Despite these aggravating factors, he is now set for early release under a government initiative.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed Oldfield's eligibility for the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) scheme. This contentious programme permits prisoners to be released up to 70 days early, subject to electronic tagging and supervision. Originally, the scheme allowed for 18 days of early release, but this was extended to 70 days in October 2023 to alleviate pressure on the severely overpopulated prison system.

Harley's mother, Lisa Hague, stated that the family was informed of Oldfield's impending release just last week. She described the decision as a profound insult to Harley's memory and to the family's ongoing grief, highlighting the perceived injustice of a system that prioritises penal capacity over the trauma of victims' relatives.