York hit-and-run suspect in court (From York Press)

Sean Hamilton hit-and-run suspect in court

5:08pm Thursday 10th June 2010 in Sean Hamilton By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a ten-year-old York boy in an alleged hit-and-run crash.

Sean Hamilton died when he was hit by a blue Ford Transit panel van while crossing Holgate Road, near the Iron Bridge, on Saturday, October 3, last year.

John Patrick Smith, 18, from Carlton, near Selby, appeared at York Magistrates Court today, charged with failing to stop following the collision, failing to report the accident and with causing the death of Sean Hamilton by driving without due care or attention.

Families of both Sean Hamilton and the defendant sat in court as Smith, dressed in a white T-shirt, a sleeveless blue pullover and blue jeans, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Defending Smith, Matt Thompson, said his client would not yet be entering a plea.

Magistrates deemed the case too serious for them to deal with and committed it to York Crown Court.

Four other men arrested in connection with the investigation have since been released without charge.

Sean, an Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Primary School pupil, of Linnet Way, Foxwood, was heading home following a trip to the cinema at about 8.20pm when he was struck by the van.

He was later pronounced dead at York Hospital.

The ten-year-old was described as “special and cherished” at his packed funeral service.

Smith will next appear before York Magistrates on August 5, when he will be committed to York Crown Court.

He was granted unconditional bail.