Driver who killed Barnsley father and son jailed

A driver who killed a father and son in a hit-and-run crash has been jailed for 12 years.

Paul Yates, 36, fatally hit Dean Jones, 44, and his son Lewis Daines, 16, who were cycling together in January 2023.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how Yates fled the scene in Royston Road, Barnsley, and was later involved in a second collision with a car.

Yates, of Manor Road, Barnsley, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving before he was sentenced on Monday.

The court was told that on January 20 last year, Yates drove the red Volkswagen Golf while uninsured and holding only a provisional licence.

At around 21:00 GMT, he tried to overtake a vehicle on Royston Road.

However, Yates lost control and left the road before knocking down and fatally injuring Mr Jones and his teenage son.

Yates fled the scene and, despite his car being badly damaged, continued to drive the vehicle with the hood flying up and blocking his view.

A short time later, Yates crashed into the back of a Volkswagen Tiguan, which was carrying a woman and her children, and again failed to stop at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police said the occupants were not seriously injured.

Yates spent 11 days on the run before officers caught up with him, with evidence confirming he had been speeding and drinking before the collisions.

Yates also pleaded guilty to four counts of driving a vehicle while uninsured or unlicensed and one charge of dangerous driving of a motor vehicle.

In addition to his prison sentence, Yates was banned from driving for 13 years.

Sgt John Taylor said his thoughts were with the families of Mr Jones and Mr Lewis.

He said: “As their grief continues, they have shown immense strength in supporting us to bring Yates to justice.

“Dean and Lewis lost their lives and Yates has now lost his freedom for some considerable time.

“His children and family will also be affected by his actions that night.”