In a tragic case that has left a family devastated, a reckless car thief has been sentenced after causing the death of a beloved grandfather, Christopher ‘Chris’ Hanley, who died trying to prevent his car from being stolen. The court revealed that the incident stemmed from the actions of Marvin Sutton, 35, who stole Mr. Hanley's car keys while he was at the flat of Charlene Thomas, 37, on March 16 last year.

According to the prosecution, as Mr. Hanley attempted to intervene by jumping on the bonnet of his Land Rover Discovery, Sutton drove the vehicle away in a dangerous manner, resulting in Mr. Hanley being thrown to the ground where he suffered severe head injuries. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the court hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on February 13, Mr. Hanley’s wife, Helen, expressed the pain caused by Sutton's actions, stating, “Your greed has destroyed my family.” Witnesses reported that after the incident, Sutton attempted to apologize to Mr. Hanley’s family from the dock.

On the morning of the incident, Mr. Hanley had been advised by Thomas to reposition his car, which ultimately made the theft easier. When Sutton arrived at the flat, he stole the keys unnoticed. CCTV footage captured Mr. Hanley rushing out and trying to reason with Sutton, but within seconds, Sutton accelerated with Mr. Hanley on the bonnet, leading to the horrific outcome.

A neighbor witnessed the scene and called emergency services, but despite their best efforts, Mr. Hanley was declared dead at 11:08 AM.

Helen Hanley shared her heartbreak in court, stating, “I feel like my heart has been ripped from my chest...” Their son Ryan echoed her sentiments, remarking on the unimaginable loss caused by the thieves’ selfish actions. After the collision, Sutton fled the scene, and the stolen Land Rover was later found damaged and abandoned.

Both Sutton and Thomas were arrested. Sutton eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while Thomas, who denied any responsibility for the theft, also pleaded guilty to robbery related to a separate incident involving a knifepoint attack on a taxi driver.

In sentencing, Judge Maurice Greene noted the preventable nature of Mr. Hanley’s death, stating, “Had you thought for one moment about somebody other than yourself, Marvin Sutton, Mr. Hanley would still be alive today.” Sutton was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison, while Thomas received a five-year sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith emphasized the tragic consequences of their actions, highlighting the loss suffered by Mr. Hanley’s family. She expressed hope that the sentences would provide some comfort to those mourning his death.

Mr. Hanley's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a proud grandfather and a charitable man whose absence has created an irreplaceable void in their lives.