Family of man killed in drug drive hit and run call for tougher sentences

The heartbroken family of a young man killed in a hit and run last Good Friday are warning others about the dangers of drink and drug driving this Easter weekend.

20 year old Lewis Knapp was on a night out with his partner Caitlyn Hardy and a group of his friends when he was hit by a car on a night out in South Shields in April last year.

21 year old Connor Emms, from Sycamore Avenue, South Shields, had been driving at an excessive speed having drunk alcohol and taken cocaine. He carried on driving and only handed himself in to police hours later after discovering Lewis had died.

Emms was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court in January.

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop after an accident, having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

This Good Friday, Lewis's family and friends gathered at a memorial garden at Boldon on South Tyneside to remember him.

Caitlyn, and Lewis's mother, Michelle, both believe that people are not going to stop getting behind the while after drinking or taking drugs until the punishment is increased.