Man jailed after killing a young boy in fatal car crash

19 May 2020

A man has been jailed for five-and-a-half-years after killing a young boy on his bike in a fatal collision in Luton.

Michael Raffermati, 35, of Wren Close, Caddington pleaded guilty to one count of death by dangerous driving in October 2018.

At around 2.20pm on 20 October, emergency services were called to reports of a collision. A six-year-old boy was crossing the road on his bike with his father at a crossing point on White Horse Vale, when Raffermati hit him with his blue Vauxhall Astra. The boy was taken to hospital, where he died a short time later due to the injuries he sustained.

Yesterday (Monday) at Luton Crown Court, Raffermati was sentenced to five-and-a-half-years for causing death by dangerous driving, five years disqualification extended by 33 months, and he will have to take an extended re-test.

Sergeant James Thorne, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: “I would like to commend the family for the manner in which they have conducted themselves throughout this enquiry. 

“Raffermatti’s callous indifference to all other road users sadly resulted in the tragic loss of young life and the sentence passed today in no way illustrates the value of a life, nor is it intended to do so. 

“Speeding is one of four reasons why collisions turn fatal and this should serve as a reminder to those who believe that speeding is an innocent, everyday necessity.” 

“Anyone who doesn’t take the safety of driving seriously, should look at the serious and devastating consequences that it can have on yours and other people’s lives.

“Hopefully this sentence will bring some closure to his family and a sense of justice for a terrible crime that can never be undone.”