Teens in stolen car 'filmed' police during chase before driver, 14, died in crash, as jury rules pursuit was 'lawful'
16.02.2023 - 11:25
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 14-year-old boy died after crashing during a 'lawful' police chase, an inquest jury have concluded. Leo Gradwell was behind the wheel of a stolen Fiat 500 when he 'lost control' and collided with a Kia Sportage and then a Renault Clio on Asthon Road in Golborne.
Leo, from Platt Bridge and described as a 'much-loved son and brother', was initially rushed to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, before being taken to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
However, his injuries were considered 'unsurvivable' and his life support was withdrawn the following day. Two teenage passengers in the car - one aged 15 - were also injured in the crash, the inquest heard.
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The car was being pursued as it matched the description of a Fiat stolen in an armed robbery in Wigan the night before. The inquest heard a blue Fiat 500 was stolen by two masked males, one allegedly carrying an axe, but that Leo was not alleged to be one of the assailants.
Yesterday (Wednesday), a jury who began hearing evidence in the case last week, returned their findings and conclusion. They said that on the day of the crash, October 11 ,2019, the Fiat was 'the subject of a lawful pursuit by a marked police car with emergency equipment activated' and that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts.
"The collision occurred as a result of a high-risk manoeuvre that was attempted whilst failing to stop for the police," they said with the car overturning, throwing the occupants from their seats, at which time Leo suffered a severe head injury.
"The police pursuing the Fiat 500 stopped within a safe distance, extracted