On Sunday, June 26, 2022, at approximately 1:30 PM, a serious incident occurred on Hyde Road near Debdale Park when 35-year-old Raja Khan struck an 11-year-old schoolboy who was legally crossing the street on his bike. The boy was severely injured, suffering a significant brain injury, a broken thigh, and a collapsed lung.

Khan ran a red light before hitting the boy and subsequently fled the scene at speed. Witnesses attempted to detain him, but he escaped through a roadworks area. Judge John Potter described Khan's actions as "disgraceful," emphasizing the seriousness of fleeing the scene of an accident that left a child in critical condition.

Following the incident, the boy was helpless on the ground, and bystanders rushed to his aid. He was airlifted to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he spent five months undergoing multiple surgeries and fighting for his life, including ten days in a coma. His recovery is still ongoing, and he faces potential long-term cognitive issues.

During his trial at Manchester Crown Court, Khan was found to have been driving at 31 mph in a 30 mph zone when he hit the boy. He initially halted his vehicle but did not remain at the scene. Ultimately, he turned himself in to the police the following day, claiming he 'panicked' after the accident.

Khan has a previous driving ban from 2019 and struggles with depression and learning difficulties, as outlined by his defender, Kimberley Obrusik. She argued that his personal issues contributed to his flight from the scene and expressed that he felt genuine remorse for his actions, particularly as a father.

Despite the mitigating circumstances presented, Judge Potter deemed the case too serious for leniency. Khan was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and received a driving ban for four years and eight months. He will serve at least half of his sentence in custody.

The impact of this incident extends beyond the courtroom; the boy's mother shared her heartbreak as her son grapples with feelings of worthlessness and inability to engage in activities he once enjoyed, such as playing football. Judge Potter highlighted the profound consequences of careless driving, reminding all of the life-altering ramifications for both victims and offenders.