Heart-stopping footage shows child sent flying by car

A court in the UK has publicly released footage of the heart-stopping moment a young child was run down.

In July this year, the boy was attempting to cross Gwent Road in the Welsh town of Townhill, Swansea, when he was hit by a passing car.

CCTV footage shows the boy thrown through the air like a ragdoll before crashing back onto the asphalt as a bystander rushes to help.

Luckily the child suffered only a broken left arm and collar bone.

The security video was used as evidence at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, where the driver pleaded guilty to failing to stop and give details after an accident.

The 29-year-old man from Fforestfach, whose name has not been released, did stop initially to check on the child, but the footage shows him returning to his car and driving off instead of waiting for police or providing his details.

“Clearly an injury had been sustained by him,” Judge Christopher James said during sentencing.

“After the incident, he had been lying by the side of the road. It was clear you knew he had been struck by your vehicle.

“You left soon after, clearly in a state of panic.”

The judge agreed that the driver had little time to react after the child appeared from behind a parked car.

He said there was no alcohol involved and commended the man for coming  forward after a public appeal by police.

The driver’s defence lawyer told the court he has suffered nightmares as a result of the accident and has been receiving mental health treatment and would comply with any sentencing given by the magistrate.

He was given a 12-month community order and instructed to serve 160 hours of community service.

He also had conditions placed on his licence for three years and was ordered to pay court costs.

It is understood the victim’s parents are also seeking civil action against the driver.