19-year-old man jailed after being found guilty of killing of teenager in Derby hit and run incident

A 19-year-old has been jailed after being found guilty of killing a teenager in a hit and run incident in Derby.

Lawson Byrd hit Gianne Obafial with his Ford Focus in Mercian Way on the night of July 19, 2021.

Lawson Byrd

Shortly before the collision Byrd, along with two other friends, had encountered Mr Obafial in the street and a fight ensued.

As the trio got back into the Ford Mr Obafial went to pick up two tops that had been dropped close to the car when Byrd, of Ash Close, Burton, began to drive off, hitting the 19-year-old and running him over. He then fled the scene.

Mr Obafial, of Melbourne Street, Derby, was left in the middle of the road with a serious head injury. He was taken to hospital but died as a result of his injuries on 28 July.

Byrd, who handed himself into police, was charged with murder and manslaughter - to which he pleaded not guilty on both counts.

Following a trial at Derby Crown Court a jury found him guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Obafial.

Today (28 January) he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and disqualified from driving for 13 years.

Detective Inspector Steve Shaw, who led the investigation, said: “The death of Mr Obafial was truly senseless and has left a family without a much-loved son.

“While the jury found that Lawson Byrd did not set out to kill Mr Obafial his actions were clearly not in self defence and caused the head injury that led to his death.

“Anyone getting behind the wheel of a vehicle of any size has to realise the potential danger they pose to others – and it was clear by Byrd’s actions that he had no consideration for Mr Obafial’s safety even when it was clear he had run him over.

“My thoughts, as with everyone at Derbyshire Constabulary, remain with Mr Obafial’s family and friends and I hope that today’s sentence brings a degree of closure for them.”