AMAN who tried to cover his
tracks after driving off
from a hit-and-run accident
which killed an 11-year-old boy is
today behind bars.
Jason Tobola was over the speed limit in his
uninsured car when he hit Theo Hixon-Denton
and then drove off, leaving him dying in the
road from injuries .
Instead of stopping to help he drove less than
half a mile to the home he shared with his
father and set about trying to repair the dent
to his bonnet.
Today Tobola, 20, from Bracklesham Close,
Southampton, is starting a 20-month jail term
after admitting perverting the course of justice,
leaving the scene of an accident, driving
uninsured and without tax and driving dangerously
as he left the scene.
Southampton Crown Court heard that within
an hour of the crash on Sholing Road on
November 23 last year, Tobola was searching
the Internet for replacement parts and had
spoken to a windscreen repair centre about
fixing his car.
In text messages that night he told friends
how his car had been "battered by chavs" who
had thrown a brick at it, before eating pizza
and going to sleep.
But it was concerned neighbours, who had
seen Tobola return home in his red Peugeot
with no lights on and with steam coming from
the car, who called police after hearing that a
youngster had died.
He was arrested at 3am the following morning
and during police interview admitted what
he had done, saying "I never meant to do it, I
was scared" before reverting to his old story
about the brick.
Simon Edwards, prosecuting, told the court
how Tobola made "a callous and concerted
effort to evade detection" and how accident
investigators at the scene could find no evidence
of brake marks on the road.
It wasn't the first time he had driven without
insurance, having lost his licence for the same
offence in April 2007.
The court was told how a painstaking police
investigation got under way before Tobola was
charged in April this year.
Daniel Reilly, defending, said
Tobola had talked of suicide and
described him as someone who
"shows incredible and obvious
sorrow, regret and remorse".
He added: "What has been central
to him each and every day
since this incident is the family
of Theo Hixon-Denton" and
spoke of how during interview
Tobola had told police "I wish I
had stopped because I might
have been able to save him or
something".
Mr Reilly told the court how
Tobola had confined himself
inside his mother's home until
February this year, didn't speak
to his closest friends and felt he
couldn't go to work for fear of
what others may think.
Jailing him for 20 months and
disqualifying Tobola from driving
for two years, Judge Peter
Ralls QC, said: "You tried to
cover up and cover your tracks.
You were taking steps to see if
you could carry out repairs on
the bodywork of your car so that
nobody would know what you
had done. It's not just a cowardly
thing to drive away, but it also
caused, far greater grief and sorrow
and worry for the parents
and those that were close to this
young boy."
See today's Daily Echo for the full story
3:28pm Saturday 19th July 2008
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CommentPosted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 9:44am Sat 19 Jul 08
This 'man' needs to atone for his crime and at least 20 years in prison would keep him away from killing other people and trying to get away with it.
This 'man' needs to atone for his crime and at least 20 years in prison would keep him away from killing other people and trying to get away with it.
Posted by: anon, soton on 9:53am Sat 19 Jul 08
20 months is that all that childs life was worth, what is this world comming to !! Banned from driving for 2 years he should never be allowed to drive again.
20 months is that all that childs life was worth, what is this world comming to !! Banned from driving for 2 years he should never be allowed to drive again.
Posted by: The Boatman, New Forest on 9:59am Sat 19 Jul 08
20 months jail, of which he'll probably serve 10 - and knock off any time he's already spent in custody is a pathetic sentance for this. This is why so many of us believe there is no justice in the English legal system.
20 months jail, of which he'll probably serve 10 - and knock off any time he's already spent in custody is a pathetic sentance for this. This is why so many of us believe there is no justice in the English legal system.
Posted by: Maz, Weston on 9:59am Sat 19 Jul 08
20 months for taking a young life & not even having the balls to to stay at the scene of the accident. He should been banned for life & serve at least a 5 yr sentence.
20 months for taking a young life & not even having the balls to to stay at the scene of the accident. He should been banned for life & serve at least a 5 yr sentence.
Posted by: Bicentennial Man, - rabbitting on & on 10:35am Sat 19 Jul 08
[bold]Assuming[/bold] he was sentenced according to the guidlines then is is not the 'English Justice system' that has let the victim & his family down it comes back to our duly elceted Governement who set the rules for sentencing tying the judicarys hands somewhat. It seems that the poilticians are only interested in so called 'reported crime figures' that are apparently down by 9%. If that is the case then why are the prison full to capacity and why can the same be siad for the Courts?
Assuming he was sentenced according to the guidlines then is is not the 'English Justice system' that has let the victim & his family down it comes back to our duly elceted Governement who set the rules for sentencing tying the judicarys hands somewhat. It seems that the poilticians are only interested in so called 'reported crime figures' that are apparently down by 9%. If that is the case then why are the prison full to capacity and why can the same be siad for the Courts?
Posted by: victoria on 11:08am Sat 19 Jul 08
when he gets out he will still drive while banned,with no tax,insurance and still speeding till he kills the next child
when he gets out he will still drive while banned,with no tax,insurance and still speeding till he kills the next child
Posted by: jerrim family, southampton on 12:09pm Sat 19 Jul 08
he should get life .not only has he distroyed theo,s family life but destroyed my sons life who was with him.
he should get life .not only has he distroyed theo,s family life but destroyed my sons life who was with him.
Posted by: vicki grant on 12:49pm Sat 19 Jul 08
It is disgusting how he has got away with it what is 20 months?? nothing! was has he taken....? everything
Surely taking a life and be too much of a coward to stop and help warants more than that. If he shows no remorse now why should that sentence make him worry about what he's done
It is disgusting how he has got away with it what is 20 months?? nothing! was has he taken....? everything
Surely taking a life and be too much of a coward to stop and help warants more than that. If he shows no remorse now why should that sentence make him worry about what he's done
Posted by: Bright Spark, Stubbington on 1:59pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Theo would be proud of his Mum, most people would have gone ballistic at such a pathetic sentence, she has maintained her composure when most would be spitting fire.
Theo would be proud of his Mum, most people would have gone ballistic at such a pathetic sentence, she has maintained her composure when most would be spitting fire.
Posted by: Ken, Stubbington on 4:26pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Bright Spark[/bold] wrote:
The earlier Echo headline referred to the driver as a "coward", it has since been taken out and changed with "driver". What's all that about Echo? Did you upset the killer's family?[/quote] If you look they've just been updating the story.
Seeing as coward is the headline they've used in the paper today, AND the story has quotes from the judge calling him cowardly, I doubt that's the case very much.
Bright Spark wrote:
The earlier Echo headline referred to the driver as a "coward", it has since been taken out and changed with "driver". What's all that about Echo? Did you upset the killer's family?
If you look they've just been updating the story.
Seeing as coward is the headline they've used in the paper today, AND the story has quotes from the judge calling him cowardly, I doubt that's the case very much.
Posted by: Ciaran on 4:37pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Bright Spark[/bold] wrote:
The earlier Echo headline referred to the driver as a "coward", it has since been taken out and changed with "driver". What's all that about Echo? Did you upset the killer's family?[/quote] The front page calls him a coward, so I doubt they have changed it for that reason.
Like Ken says, the story is an awful lot longer now than it was this morning so they've probably just changed it as they were putting more of the story on the site.
Bright Spark wrote:
The earlier Echo headline referred to the driver as a "coward", it has since been taken out and changed with "driver". What's all that about Echo? Did you upset the killer's family?
The front page calls him a coward, so I doubt they have changed it for that reason.
Like Ken says, the story is an awful lot longer now than it was this morning so they've probably just changed it as they were putting more of the story on the site.
Posted by: Derek, Dibden Purlieu on 4:50pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote]is starting a 20-month jail term[/quote]
I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.
is starting a 20-month jail term
I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.
Posted by: George on 4:53pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Derek[/bold] wrote:
[quote]is starting a 20-month jail term[/quote]
I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.[/quote] Lead by example, then, Derek. Form a Dibden Purlieu branch of the Tufty Club or something
Derek wrote:
is starting a 20-month jail term
I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.
Lead by example, then, Derek. Form a Dibden Purlieu branch of the Tufty Club or something
Posted by: The Boatman, New Forest on 5:05pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Derek[/bold] wrote:
[quote]is starting a 20-month jail term[/quote] I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.[/quote] I do get your point Derek. It is possible that the boy who died may have run out in the road (Don't get on your high horse everybody - I'm not saying he did but it is possible in this case and many others) but the worthless scum who hit him had no tax or insurance, knew he had hit a child and then set about trying to cover up the evidence to escape blame. He shouldn't have been on the road in the first place and the longer he is kept off our streets the better for all of us.
Derek wrote:
is starting a 20-month jail term
I wonder how many children will be taught the way to cross the road safely before this gentleman is freed. I' like to see the same amount of effort put in to this task as there is writing on this forum........ I won't hold my breath though.
I do get your point Derek. It is possible that the boy who died may have run out in the road (Don't get on your high horse everybody - I'm not saying he did but it is possible in this case and many others) but the worthless scum who hit him had no tax or insurance, knew he had hit a child and then set about trying to cover up the evidence to escape blame. He shouldn't have been on the road in the first place and the longer he is kept off our streets the better for all of us.
Posted by: lydia, soton on 6:02pm Sat 19 Jul 08
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner.
Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner.
Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.
Posted by: George on 6:09pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]lydia[/bold] wrote:
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner.
Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.[/quote] I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling right now. For your own sake, I really advise against visiting these boards to read the comments, it's only a matter of time before the insensitive jokey comments start. They always do
lydia wrote:
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner.
Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling right now. For your own sake, I really advise against visiting these boards to read the comments, it's only a matter of time before the insensitive jokey comments start. They always do
Posted by: c on 6:29pm Sat 19 Jul 08
I agree, a lot of the judges are old farts and haven't got a clue, get rid of them and bring in some young judges who will pass proper sentances.
I agree, a lot of the judges are old farts and haven't got a clue, get rid of them and bring in some young judges who will pass proper sentances.
Posted by: M, London on 6:56pm Sat 19 Jul 08
What is this world coming to it seems you can take a life and just because you admit you are guilty you get away with it ( 20 months is a joke). Total disgrace. It should be life for life sentence. Seeing how you have torn theo's family's world apart no sentence would be long enough to ease the pain. You deserve to spend the rest of your life in jail. Theo's Family you are all one in a million. Theo would be so proud of you all.
What is this world coming to it seems you can take a life and just because you admit you are guilty you get away with it ( 20 months is a joke). Total disgrace. It should be life for life sentence. Seeing how you have torn theo's family's world apart no sentence would be long enough to ease the pain. You deserve to spend the rest of your life in jail. Theo's Family you are all one in a million. Theo would be so proud of you all.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 7:15pm Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]lydia[/bold] wrote:
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner. Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.[/quote] Lydia, rest assured that the majority of local people were truly horrified by not only your brother's death but also the sentence given to his killer.
If there is any consolation consider that you will only have good memories of your brother as will his friends and family. The family of Jason Tobola will have to live with their son's crime (as he will) forever and pay for it.
lydia wrote:
I'm the victims sister, and i'd just like to clarify that Theo did not run out into the road, he was crossing and the car flew around the corner. Theo new road safety, he just didn't have time to move.
Lydia, rest assured that the majority of local people were truly horrified by not only your brother's death but also the sentence given to his killer.
If there is any consolation consider that you will only have good memories of your brother as will his friends and family. The family of Jason Tobola will have to live with their son's crime (as he will) forever and pay for it.
Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 8:07pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Yet another rediculous sentence handed out in the UK
This lad is a murderer plain and simple - no extenuating circumstances and he should be sentenced as a murderer, two years? my ar*e
Yet another rediculous sentence handed out in the UK
This lad is a murderer plain and simple - no extenuating circumstances and he should be sentenced as a murderer, two years? my ar*e
Posted by: mike, hants on 11:25pm Sat 19 Jul 08
i feel sorry for the family of Theo Hixon-Denton having to have their hearts broken by the loss of their son theo & then to get their hearts broken yet again by the justice system & courts.
i just pray that they can find peace in their hearts & lives so that they can find closure in the tragic death of their lost loved son.
20 months & a 2 year ban is a total insult as justice for what the driver did to theo.
the law is an a.s.s.& needs to be changed especially when it involves idiots with no tax, insurance & driving bans who are still driving around on britains roads.
rest in peace theo & may god & the angels watch over your family & help them through all their pain & heart ache.
i feel sorry for the family of Theo Hixon-Denton having to have their hearts broken by the loss of their son theo & then to get their hearts broken yet again by the justice system & courts.
i just pray that they can find peace in their hearts & lives so that they can find closure in the tragic death of their lost loved son.
20 months & a 2 year ban is a total insult as justice for what the driver did to theo.
the law is an a.s.s.& needs to be changed especially when it involves idiots with no tax, insurance & driving bans who are still driving around on britains roads.
rest in peace theo & may god & the angels watch over your family & help them through all their pain & heart ache.
Posted by: Mum, Home on 11:37pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Myself and my family were really horrified at the sentence that Jason Tobola was given,right up until the sentencing yesterday we had no idea of what he would get,we even thought he could possibly get a suspended sentence as unbelievable as that may seem.He is in a youth detention centre until he turns 21 but he will probably be out by then.I too think that once he is released he will probably carry on driving around without any insurance,tax and mot just as he always has done.His parents were not in court to hear him sentenced,that really said it all to me.As I firmly believe what goes around comes around and he will pay for taking my sons life away.
Myself and my family were really horrified at the sentence that Jason Tobola was given,right up until the sentencing yesterday we had no idea of what he would get,we even thought he could possibly get a suspended sentence as unbelievable as that may seem.He is in a youth detention centre until he turns 21 but he will probably be out by then.I too think that once he is released he will probably carry on driving around without any insurance,tax and mot just as he always has done.His parents were not in court to hear him sentenced,that really said it all to me.As I firmly believe what goes around comes around and he will pay for taking my sons life away.
Posted by: Kim on 12:14am Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Mum[/bold] wrote:
Myself and my family were really horrified at the sentence that Jason Tobola was given,right up until the sentencing yesterday we had no idea of what he would get,we even thought he could possibly get a suspended sentence as unbelievable as that may seem.He is in a youth detention centre until he turns 21 but he will probably be out by then.I too think that once he is released he will probably carry on driving around without any insurance,tax and mot just as he always has done.His parents were not in court to hear him sentenced,that really said it all to me.As I firmly believe what goes around comes around and he will pay for taking my sons life away.[/quote] Theo's mum....I don't have the right words for you and your family. My nephew was killed in not unsimilar circumstances in Woodmill Lane a few years ago, not a hit and run but as there were no witnesses, the driver was completely exonerated at the inquest. It was assumed our nephew had run out into the road but he knew road safety like Theo. He was 13. We have always assumed the driver was distracted and just didn't see him.
I won't go into details but my sister in law has never really accepted this verdict, she never even got a sorry from the women driver.
I just want to send you a big hug, and you are right, Karma will deal with him.
Mum wrote:
Myself and my family were really horrified at the sentence that Jason Tobola was given,right up until the sentencing yesterday we had no idea of what he would get,we even thought he could possibly get a suspended sentence as unbelievable as that may seem.He is in a youth detention centre until he turns 21 but he will probably be out by then.I too think that once he is released he will probably carry on driving around without any insurance,tax and mot just as he always has done.His parents were not in court to hear him sentenced,that really said it all to me.As I firmly believe what goes around comes around and he will pay for taking my sons life away.
Theo's mum....I don't have the right words for you and your family. My nephew was killed in not unsimilar circumstances in Woodmill Lane a few years ago, not a hit and run but as there were no witnesses, the driver was completely exonerated at the inquest. It was assumed our nephew had run out into the road but he knew road safety like Theo. He was 13. We have always assumed the driver was distracted and just didn't see him.
I won't go into details but my sister in law has never really accepted this verdict, she never even got a sorry from the women driver.
I just want to send you a big hug, and you are right, Karma will deal with him.
Posted by: rebecca garrod, swindon on 7:31pm Mon 21 Jul 08
i would just like 2 say to theo,s family my heart goes out to you all, my son who was 17 and a half was killed christmas day by a hit and run driver with no insurance he was crossing on a crossing and the man just left him 2 die alone, these people that kill and drive off are just scum they dont know or care what pain they put the familys through, there is no justice in the law and were told we,ll be lucky if the man that killed my son gets any sentance! i believe what you say though that its all about karma what goes around comes around. my thoughts and prayers are with you
beckie garrod x
i would just like 2 say to theo,s family my heart goes out to you all, my son who was 17 and a half was killed christmas day by a hit and run driver with no insurance he was crossing on a crossing and the man just left him 2 die alone, these people that kill and drive off are just scum they dont know or care what pain they put the familys through, there is no justice in the law and were told we,ll be lucky if the man that killed my son gets any sentance! i believe what you say though that its all about karma what goes around comes around. my thoughts and prayers are with you
beckie garrod x
Posted by: smithy, soton on 4:02pm Wed 23 Jul 08
sorry to hear ur sentance m8. c ya sn
sorry to hear ur sentance m8. c ya sn
Posted by: Jessie, Portsmouth on 12:08am Thu 24 Jul 08
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo's family but you don't know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident.
Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it's MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour.
Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn't stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn't want to be without his car!
Also there wouldn't have been any 'brake marks' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it's hit???
Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo's family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she's barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened.
Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was "chavs" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason's back!!!!
Me and the rest of Jason's friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He'll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!!
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo's family but you don't know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident.
Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it's MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour.
Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn't stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn't want to be without his car!
Also there wouldn't have been any 'brake marks' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it's hit???
Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo's family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she's barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened.
Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was "chavs" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason's back!!!!
Me and the rest of Jason's friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He'll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!!
Posted by: Theo's Mum, Home on 4:35pm Thu 24 Jul 08
You silly girl you have no idea what happened only his version of events.Try talking to the police and if you would like to know what going to hell and back is like try talking to Theo's family and save your misplaced sympathy for them.It was just after 5pm when Theo was hit and contrary to what you have been told there was no way he thought he had had a brick thrown at his car you naive girl, we are talking about Merryoak not the ghetto.Are you aware my son will not be celebrating any more birthdays including his 21st.Your so called friend makes a habit of driving around without insurance, tax and mot and on that particular night he even forgot to put his car lights on.Have you even considered that maybe he didn't want his parents in court because they would finally discover that his version of events were untrue.Wake up and smell the roses, how would you feel if it was your brother he left for dead, would you be so quick to defend him then?
You silly girl you have no idea what happened only his version of events.Try talking to the police and if you would like to know what going to hell and back is like try talking to Theo's family and save your misplaced sympathy for them.It was just after 5pm when Theo was hit and contrary to what you have been told there was no way he thought he had had a brick thrown at his car you naive girl, we are talking about Merryoak not the ghetto.Are you aware my son will not be celebrating any more birthdays including his 21st.Your so called friend makes a habit of driving around without insurance, tax and mot and on that particular night he even forgot to put his car lights on.Have you even considered that maybe he didn't want his parents in court because they would finally discover that his version of events were untrue.Wake up and smell the roses, how would you feel if it was your brother he left for dead, would you be so quick to defend him then?
Posted by: grandfather, West end on 4:49pm Thu 24 Jul 08
In response to Jessie's comment,pity he hadn't choked to death on the pizza he ate after ordering the new parts for his car,and you call that feeling remorse for his appalling actions afterwards.If you were such a good friend why weren't you in court to support him?Where were all his other loyal friends and family too?
In response to Jessie's comment,pity he hadn't choked to death on the pizza he ate after ordering the new parts for his car,and you call that feeling remorse for his appalling actions afterwards.If you were such a good friend why weren't you in court to support him?Where were all his other loyal friends and family too?
Posted by: Cheryl, Southampton on 7:25pm Thu 24 Jul 08
Theo's family have acted in a calm and dignified way through out there suffering. As a friend, I am not only amazed but very proud how they're coping. After reading your message Jessie I felt this is only going to bring more hurt. I was in court and heard all the facts.There's no way of putting this nicely but your friend left Theo for dead knowing that he'd hit someone!!!He'll be out in 20 months or less,but Theo's family have got a life sentence!
Theo's family have acted in a calm and dignified way through out there suffering. As a friend, I am not only amazed but very proud how they're coping. After reading your message Jessie I felt this is only going to bring more hurt. I was in court and heard all the facts.There's no way of putting this nicely but your friend left Theo for dead knowing that he'd hit someone!!!He'll be out in 20 months or less,but Theo's family have got a life sentence!
Posted by: lydia, soton on 8:49pm Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Jessie[/bold] wrote:
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo's family but you don't know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident. Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it's MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour. Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn't stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn't want to be without his car! Also there wouldn't have been any 'brake marks' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it's hit??? Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo's family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she's barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened. Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was "chavs" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason's back!!!! Me and the rest of Jason's friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He'll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!![/quote] You stupid stupid girl. How can you even try and defend that pathetic excuse for a human being.
He killed an 11 year old boy, there is a heck of a lot of difference between a brick and a boy hitting your car, there is no possible way that he could have mistaken my little brother for a brick.
Pull your head out of his @ss and look at the facts, he had not insurance or tax AND he was speeding.
And as for what his fanmily are going through, that is nothing compared to what my family have to deal with every day for the rest of out lives. Their son is in prison for 20 months, probably less. I never get to see my little brother again, he won't even get to see his 13th birthday let alone his 21st.
In my opinion he should rot in there for the rest of his life. And Theo was a couple of feet away from the other side of the road, so he was in plain view.
and the screams of all the other children should have told him that something other than a brick hit his car.
I hope these comments wake you up.
How can you be his friend after he ran down an 11 year old schoolboy. You're unbelieveable.
Jessie wrote:
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo's family but you don't know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident. Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it's MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour. Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn't stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn't want to be without his car! Also there wouldn't have been any 'brake marks' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it's hit??? Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo's family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she's barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened. Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was "chavs" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason's back!!!! Me and the rest of Jason's friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He'll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!!
You stupid stupid girl. How can you even try and defend that pathetic excuse for a human being.
He killed an 11 year old boy, there is a heck of a lot of difference between a brick and a boy hitting your car, there is no possible way that he could have mistaken my little brother for a brick.
Pull your head out of his @ss and look at the facts, he had not insurance or tax AND he was speeding.
And as for what his fanmily are going through, that is nothing compared to what my family have to deal with every day for the rest of out lives. Their son is in prison for 20 months, probably less. I never get to see my little brother again, he won't even get to see his 13th birthday let alone his 21st.
In my opinion he should rot in there for the rest of his life. And Theo was a couple of feet away from the other side of the road, so he was in plain view.
and the screams of all the other children should have told him that something other than a brick hit his car.
I hope these comments wake you up.
How can you be his friend after he ran down an 11 year old schoolboy. You're unbelieveable.
Posted by: Jon Baines, Portsmouth on 9:10pm Thu 24 Jul 08
How this lad avoid a manslaughter charge is beyond me, as for jessie attempting to defend his actions well thats just laughable. Aswel as you celebrating the fact he may be out in 10 months and the fact he may be able to celebrate his 21st Birthday is just sickening and completely insensitive, just think about the boy your "friend" killed who will not be able to celebrate another birthday.
As for it being a accident, yes it was and im sure your friend didn't mean to hit Theo but the fact he was speeding, driving with no tax, insurance or license makes his crime all the more worse.
How this lad avoid a manslaughter charge is beyond me, as for jessie attempting to defend his actions well thats just laughable. Aswel as you celebrating the fact he may be out in 10 months and the fact he may be able to celebrate his 21st Birthday is just sickening and completely insensitive, just think about the boy your "friend" killed who will not be able to celebrate another birthday.
As for it being a accident, yes it was and im sure your friend didn't mean to hit Theo but the fact he was speeding, driving with no tax, insurance or license makes his crime all the more worse.
Posted by: friend, south on 9:28pm Thu 24 Jul 08
JASON SHOULD BE SET FREE, JASON FOR THE WIN.[bold]bold[/bold]
JASON SHOULD BE SET FREE, JASON FOR THE WIN.
Posted by: Louis, southampton on 10:07pm Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Jessie[/bold] wrote:
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo\'s family but you don\'t know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident. Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it\'s MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour. Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn\'t stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn\'t want to be without his car! Also there wouldn\'t have been any \'brake marks\' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it\'s hit??? Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo\'s family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she\'s barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened. Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was \"chavs\" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason\'s back!!!! Me and the rest of Jason\'s friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He\'ll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!![/quote] You have no idea what it is like to lose someone, do you!
This @sshole which is your so called friend is lying to you and would a true friend lie to you? Obviously not!
Pull your head out of all of the sh*t that you've heard and start facing what really happened! All you have heard is from the @sshole that killed my brother! Me and my family are going through hell and he got the pathetic sentence of 20 months! That is the worst load of sh*t that i have ever heard! If he was such a lovely friend why didn't you go to court with the idiot? Hopefully someone will get him in prison! Why does anyone care about him?
He killed my brother and then tried to cover up what he had done!
" So just get off Jason's back!!!!"
Because he killed a poor, inocent 11 year old boy! Look at it from me and my families point of view! Theo was the best brother i could ever ask for and this lowlife scum took him away from us!!
"have you actually spoken to Jason himself???" have you talked to my family and i yourself? No you haven't!
I didn't see you in court defending him!
Where were you then?
But your quick enough to comment on this telling us how wrong we apparently are about him!!
Wake up you stupid girl!
Jessie wrote:
Look my sorrys do go out to Theo\'s family but you don\'t know the full story about what happened. no matter how much u think u do, have you actually spoken to Jason himself??? Do you really know Jason as a person??? If you did and if you knew what Jason has been through since November then you would know this was an accident. Yes he was driving with no tax and insurance this was because he was just driving the car home after it\'s MOT had been done. Ok i know and accept this does not excuse this behaviour. Jason has had his car attacked previously in this area at that is why he didn\'t stop when something hit his car. Answer me this would you stop if u think someone has just thrown a brick at your car? Would you risk also getting attacked yourself? Just to look at the damage to your car? The answer is no as you would fear for your saftey. That is why he waited until he got home to check the damage. He loves his cars and was doing a course at college to become a mechanic and that is why he started to think about getting his car repaired straight away. He didn\'t want to be without his car! Also there wouldn\'t have been any \'brake marks\' as Theo walked out in front of Jason out of nowhere. So how are you supposed to brake for something that you have not even a second until it\'s hit??? Jason has also gone through hell and hack just like Theo\'s family! He really did lock himself away until February. And his family were not at the court hearings because Jason did the decent thing and asked them not to go! Pleaded with them in fact not to go! His mother was also going through hell and she\'s barely coping as it is! If she went to that court room and watched her little boy go down, who knows what would have happened. Will everyone stop having a go at Jason! He is truely sorry that he never stopped because he thought it was \"chavs\" that attacked his car! Give a thought what Jason and his family is going through! And how you would feel if you were Jason and what you would have done! Yes you would all like to think that you would have stopped to help Theo. But if you didnt know it was a boy you hit but thought it was someone attacking your car. Would you have really stopped! This ACCIDENT could have happened to anyone of us! So just get off Jason\'s back!!!! Me and the rest of Jason\'s friends and family are looking forward to seeing him in 20months time! But he it might be possible that he only serves 10months, so we are likely to see him in less than a yr! He\'ll be able to spend his 21st birthday with everyone that cares about him!!!!
You have no idea what it is like to lose someone, do you!
This @sshole which is your so called friend is lying to you and would a true friend lie to you? Obviously not!
Pull your head out of all of the sh*t that you've heard and start facing what really happened! All you have heard is from the @sshole that killed my brother! Me and my family are going through hell and he got the pathetic sentence of 20 months! That is the worst load of sh*t that i have ever heard! If he was such a lovely friend why didn't you go to court with the idiot? Hopefully someone will get him in prison! Why does anyone care about him?
He killed my brother and then tried to cover up what he had done!
" So just get off Jason's back!!!!"
Because he killed a poor, inocent 11 year old boy! Look at it from me and my families point of view! Theo was the best brother i could ever ask for and this lowlife scum took him away from us!!
"have you actually spoken to Jason himself???" have you talked to my family and i yourself? No you haven't!
I didn't see you in court defending him!
Where were you then?
But your quick enough to comment on this telling us how wrong we apparently are about him!!
Wake up you stupid girl!
Posted by: Louis, southampton on 10:15pm Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]friend[/bold] wrote:
JASON SHOULD BE SET FREE, JASON FOR THE WIN.[bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] Your not even brave enough to tell us all who you really are!
who are you then?
Go on tell us!!
friend wrote:
JASON SHOULD BE SET FREE, JASON FOR THE WIN.
Your not even brave enough to tell us all who you really are!
who are you then?
Go on tell us!!
Posted by: debbie,sholing, southampton on 10:15pm Thu 24 Jul 08
ive written on theo's ongoing site and am so surprised people are defending jason.at the end of the day an 11 yr old was KILLED! the driver failed to stop.we dont need any other evidence, an innocent child's life was taken.i never had the priviledge to meet theo or his family but there's not a day goes by when i dont think of them all.intentional or not HE SHOULD OF STOPPD TO OFFER HELP. my daughter of the same age is more traffic aware because of this tragic accident.my prayers and thoughts are with julia and her children xx
ive written on theo's ongoing site and am so surprised people are defending jason.at the end of the day an 11 yr old was KILLED! the driver failed to stop.we dont need any other evidence, an innocent child's life was taken.i never had the priviledge to meet theo or his family but there's not a day goes by when i dont think of them all.intentional or not HE SHOULD OF STOPPD TO OFFER HELP. my daughter of the same age is more traffic aware because of this tragic accident.my prayers and thoughts are with julia and her children xx
Posted by: cerri, sholing on 4:22pm Fri 25 Jul 08
everyones entitled to there opinion! jas could of thought a brick hit his car cos merryoak aint exactly nice is it. sorry to theos family but get jason out! get jason out!
everyones entitled to there opinion! jas could of thought a brick hit his car cos merryoak aint exactly nice is it. sorry to theos family but get jason out! get jason out!
Posted by: Theo's Mum, Home on 6:30pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Oh dear another one in total denial, have you seen the size of a brick compared to an eleven year old child?All of his friends are in total denial as to what their friend did to cover up his tracks, he admitted to the police that he had hit Theo when he was first arrested didn't your wonderful friend tell you all that. Why weren't you in court to support him then if he's so wonderful? afraid you might hear something you wouldn't like?None of you will ever understand until you have a child of your own what it is like to loose them.
Oh dear another one in total denial, have you seen the size of a brick compared to an eleven year old child?All of his friends are in total denial as to what their friend did to cover up his tracks, he admitted to the police that he had hit Theo when he was first arrested didn't your wonderful friend tell you all that. Why weren't you in court to support him then if he's so wonderful? afraid you might hear something you wouldn't like?None of you will ever understand until you have a child of your own what it is like to loose them.
Posted by: bias, sholing on 11:59pm Fri 25 Jul 08
i understand both sides, a child's dead and his family is mourning but my sympathy does go out to jasons family, they've also now lost a son in some sense and have to live with his stupid actions, i do also feel that no offence is meant by this but why do you (theo's family) feel the need to be on this website patronizing peoples opinions, i think yes you've lost your son and my heart goes out to you but don't you think maybe it's time you start focusing on other things the good times that you had with theo rather than slagging off jason and people who care about him? If it was the other way round, your son or daughter had killed somebody in a hit and run how would you feel?
i understand both sides, a child's dead and his family is mourning but my sympathy does go out to jasons family, they've also now lost a son in some sense and have to live with his stupid actions, i do also feel that no offence is meant by this but why do you (theo's family) feel the need to be on this website patronizing peoples opinions, i think yes you've lost your son and my heart goes out to you but don't you think maybe it's time you start focusing on other things the good times that you had with theo rather than slagging off jason and people who care about him? If it was the other way round, your son or daughter had killed somebody in a hit and run how would you feel?
Posted by: Theo's Mum, Home on 11:14am Sat 26 Jul 08
To the person named bias, you have no idea how I am getting on with my life ,I have 2 other children that I am looking after and I am continuing to get through everything else that life is throwing at me. But I can tell you this I am not "slagging off" his friends as you put it just pointing out the facts.And I can tell you straight that God forbid if my children were ever involved in a car accident then they would stop and help,not drive off home and try and cover it up.
To the person named bias, you have no idea how I am getting on with my life ,I have 2 other children that I am looking after and I am continuing to get through everything else that life is throwing at me. But I can tell you this I am not "slagging off" his friends as you put it just pointing out the facts.And I can tell you straight that God forbid if my children were ever involved in a car accident then they would stop and help,not drive off home and try and cover it up.
Posted by: Destiny, southampton on 7:25pm Sun 27 Jul 08
Until you have lost a child i dont feel anyone has the right to comment the pain of facing days ahead is truly traumatic, Julia has two other children that she still manages to bring up lovely despite the grief.
When nasty people on this site ask her why she comes on her slagging people off i suggest you read the whole page and perhaps the paper that piece of **** killed theo and then sat down to pizza whilst sortin out the repairs for his car and you turn round and say that is had been in turmoil since i very much doubt it he is a coward who killed a lovley child as well as stealing him from his family he has silly friends like you trying to make it sound better well preach to yourself because no child deserves to die in anyway especially by a coward that hasnt even been punished.
My thoughts are with Theo's Parents and his brrother and sister x x x
Until you have lost a child i dont feel anyone has the right to comment the pain of facing days ahead is truly traumatic, Julia has two other children that she still manages to bring up lovely despite the grief.
When nasty people on this site ask her why she comes on her slagging people off i suggest you read the whole page and perhaps the paper that piece of **** killed theo and then sat down to pizza whilst sortin out the repairs for his car and you turn round and say that is had been in turmoil since i very much doubt it he is a coward who killed a lovley child as well as stealing him from his family he has silly friends like you trying to make it sound better well preach to yourself because no child deserves to die in anyway especially by a coward that hasnt even been punished.
My thoughts are with Theo's Parents and his brrother and sister x x x
Posted by: lydia hixon denton, soton on 12:03am Thu 31 Jul 08
I can't believe that people are trying to defend this excuse for a man.
At the end of the day, he's not the one in a scatter tube in our lounge.
Think about that
I can't believe that people are trying to defend this excuse for a man.
At the end of the day, he's not the one in a scatter tube in our lounge.
Think about that
Posted by: jamesholland, youknow on 3:15am Sat 2 Aug 08
you wait till you get out you coward...
you wait till you get out you coward...
Posted by: youknewme, south on 3:52am Sat 2 Aug 08
me and alot of people you knew were out tonight jason, and we were your friends. and after a while we decided something, you are scum.you took away a childs life and you show no remorse. you are a cowarish boy and you will get your just dessers when we see you outside in the real world. 20 months cut to 10 minus what you spent already. we will be waiting for you.
me and alot of people you knew were out tonight jason, and we were your friends. and after a while we decided something, you are scum.you took away a childs life and you show no remorse. you are a cowarish boy and you will get your just dessers when we see you outside in the real world. 20 months cut to 10 minus what you spent already. we will be waiting for you.
Posted by: A Friend, Southampton on 4:20am Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]youknewme[/bold] wrote:
me and alot of people you knew were out tonight jason, and we were your friends. and after a while we decided something, you are scum.you took away a childs life and you show no remorse. you are a cowarish boy and you will get your just dessers when we see you outside in the real world. 20 months cut to 10 minus what you spent already. we will be waiting for you.[/quote] Your obviously not friends of Jason or really don’t know him that well at all, as anyone can post on here.
I write this with the upmost respect for theos family. There is no doubt, this has been a tragic time for both families, more so for Theo’s family for there loss. but its difficult for all involved, and only time will start to heal the pain & anger...
I know Jason & his family and friends of Theo’s Family, and there has been a lot of hardship on both sides. And will continue to be, but some of the comments made on here do not help the situation; just adds more fuel to the fire of hate and pain.
I never knew Theo personally, but he sounds like a wonderful son, brother and friend.....which has been shown buy so many people online and in the papers, a happy boy with everything to live for; Which makes it all such a tragedy.
I do however know Jason, he is a just an average lad of his age, with goals and ambitions & dreams as Theo was, he is not a bad person & it makes me laugh how the papers call him a man, and I understand in the eyes of the law he is a man. but I know he is just a boy that made some bad decisions one night...... for which Jason will have to live with the rest of his life, that is his true sentence,
I was one of the many that wrote a character reference for him. At Jason’s request Friends and family stayed away from court, as he felt it was his responsibility and did not want to affect the lives of those he knows, loves & for reasons of security with all the threats that had been made, Put your self in Jason’s shoes now sat in a cell, he cant now defend his family, if anyone decides to take action against them. Enough threats have been made; I have seen the added locks on doors and fire extinguishers & blankets. This I know will play on his mind.
Jasons Facebook account in no was meant to upset the family further, just another way to keep in contact with friends, he had taken efforts to restrict access and hide his account, then it is no surprise that when people look for it, they weren’t happy with what they found, it contains content from before the accident which would appear distasteful, & photos posted by others of parties he attened reluctantly. But as his friends we got him out to cheer him up though a very difficult period and show him the whole world isn’t against him.
I disagree with many of the “facts” the Daily Echo have printed, which I know to be untrue, making him out to be this murdering yob with out any care in the world for his actions, and I blame a lot of the added hate & any future retribution on Jason on the Daily Echo for telling a one sided factually incorrect story. when nothing could be further than the truth. Jason took everything on the chin and wanted to start his sentence, as he felt he disserved it and it was the best thing to do. With the minimum of fuss, and not wanting to cause any public scenes that might cause any further distress to Theo’s family. And there were times he should have stuck up for himself…….and didn’t
I have seen the changes his family have had to make, the death threats, the extra security, and the fact he was put on suicide watch after the accident. I have seen him cry over his actions, when we have driven past the scene of the accident, and especially the day when he saw the photos showing the extent of Theo's injuries. I have seen the pain in his face, Images no one should have to see.
I have read the accident reports with Jason, and the first thing that jumped to my mind is “I could have hit Theo”, There are other mitigating factors that night, that seem to have been ignored, Anyone else weather or not they were on the road legall or not.. could have hit theo, An elderly driver with slower reactions, someone adjusting the radio, answering a mobile phone or for what ever reason.....but it wasjason and what made the difference were Jason’s actions after the accident, that is Jason’s crime. One, of confusion, panic & immaturity.
Even as a friend I think Jason disserved a prison sentence, it’s the best thing for him and all involved and people that live that live in the area. To defuse this situation & calm growing tempers, I had hoped for a lower security prison, because he is not dangerous, he didn’t choose to kill Theo, it was the result of an accident, and incarcerating him with people that choose to commit violent acts of crime, burglaries , or drug dealing wouldn’t do him any good, or achieve anything at all.
Jason’s sentence is controversial, and some argue too short. He got a two year ban which I assume is for driving on the road illegally, and 20 months for leaving the scene of an accident & perverting the course of justice to which he pleaded guilty, which could possibly be reduced to 10 months if he stays out of trouble and applies his time to something positive. And even then once released he will be on a tag, living in fear in his own neighbourhood.
For all those that use the word murder, he did not wake up in the morning the plan to run over a boy, Jason killed Theo as the result of an unfortunate tragic accident, and he compounded the situation further by his confused, immature & scared actions. No more no less, there was no intent or malice just a tragic accident that ended Theo’s life & changed Jason’s for the worse. If there were stronger evidence to prove otherwise he would have been sentenced accordingly.
I was once told that “An eye for and eye” would lead to a blind world, threatening to beat Jason up, or kill him wont solve anything, wont bring Theo back or soften the pain for the family, Instead we must learn from the bad and channel it towards something good, something positive how ever big or small that act may be.
I use Sholing Road regularly and was driving within the speed limit down that very same road only 6 weeks after Theo’s Death, and almost hit a boy on a bike who came out from behind a car, no more than 50 meters from Theo’s memorial is, I was in the works Transit van, if I had weight on board I honestly think I might have hit him. I am grateful that my employer maintains the vans to a high standard, giving me every chance in that situation
Sholing Road is a long straight road, in a residential area with lots of parked cars and a large park, & skate park attended by so many kids, its surprised me no speed bumps or traffic calming measures have been installed to prevent another accident from happening, I wish that people would concentrate on campaigning for something more positive like this, than verbally beating & threatening Jason.
I will look forward to the day my friend Jason, is released & has served his sentence; I will support him to get his life back on track & continue to defend him because I know him not to be a bad person, despite the mistakes he has made and the image that others have portrayed of him. I don’t expect Theo’s family to ever stop hating Jason…..or understand why I & his friends stand by him, I just hope that friends and family can concentrate on the good memories of Theo rather than negative feelings and actions.
This will be my only post, I have not posted to cause further dispute but to share my feeling on the subject on a public place & to generate some positive thoughts and understanding.
youknewme wrote:
me and alot of people you knew were out tonight jason, and we were your friends. and after a while we decided something, you are scum.you took away a childs life and you show no remorse. you are a cowarish boy and you will get your just dessers when we see you outside in the real world. 20 months cut to 10 minus what you spent already. we will be waiting for you.
Your obviously not friends of Jason or really don’t know him that well at all, as anyone can post on here.
I write this with the upmost respect for theos family. There is no doubt, this has been a tragic time for both families, more so for Theo’s family for there loss. but its difficult for all involved, and only time will start to heal the pain & anger...
I know Jason & his family and friends of Theo’s Family, and there has been a lot of hardship on both sides. And will continue to be, but some of the comments made on here do not help the situation; just adds more fuel to the fire of hate and pain.
I never knew Theo personally, but he sounds like a wonderful son, brother and friend.....which has been shown buy so many people online and in the papers, a happy boy with everything to live for; Which makes it all such a tragedy.
I do however know Jason, he is a just an average lad of his age, with goals and ambitions & dreams as Theo was, he is not a bad person & it makes me laugh how the papers call him a man, and I understand in the eyes of the law he is a man. but I know he is just a boy that made some bad decisions one night...... for which Jason will have to live with the rest of his life, that is his true sentence,
I was one of the many that wrote a character reference for him. At Jason’s request Friends and family stayed away from court, as he felt it was his responsibility and did not want to affect the lives of those he knows, loves & for reasons of security with all the threats that had been made, Put your self in Jason’s shoes now sat in a cell, he cant now defend his family, if anyone decides to take action against them. Enough threats have been made; I have seen the added locks on doors and fire extinguishers & blankets. This I know will play on his mind.
Jasons Facebook account in no was meant to upset the family further, just another way to keep in contact with friends, he had taken efforts to restrict access and hide his account, then it is no surprise that when people look for it, they weren’t happy with what they found, it contains content from before the accident which would appear distasteful, & photos posted by others of parties he attened reluctantly. But as his friends we got him out to cheer him up though a very difficult period and show him the whole world isn’t against him.
I disagree with many of the “facts” the Daily Echo have printed, which I know to be untrue, making him out to be this murdering yob with out any care in the world for his actions, and I blame a lot of the added hate & any future retribution on Jason on the Daily Echo for telling a one sided factually incorrect story. when nothing could be further than the truth. Jason took everything on the chin and wanted to start his sentence, as he felt he disserved it and it was the best thing to do. With the minimum of fuss, and not wanting to cause any public scenes that might cause any further distress to Theo’s family. And there were times he should have stuck up for himself…….and didn’t
I have seen the changes his family have had to make, the death threats, the extra security, and the fact he was put on suicide watch after the accident. I have seen him cry over his actions, when we have driven past the scene of the accident, and especially the day when he saw the photos showing the extent of Theo's injuries. I have seen the pain in his face, Images no one should have to see.
I have read the accident reports with Jason, and the first thing that jumped to my mind is “I could have hit Theo”, There are other mitigating factors that night, that seem to have been ignored, Anyone else weather or not they were on the road legall or not.. could have hit theo, An elderly driver with slower reactions, someone adjusting the radio, answering a mobile phone or for what ever reason.....but it wasjason and what made the difference were Jason’s actions after the accident, that is Jason’s crime. One, of confusion, panic & immaturity.
Even as a friend I think Jason disserved a prison sentence, it’s the best thing for him and all involved and people that live that live in the area. To defuse this situation & calm growing tempers, I had hoped for a lower security prison, because he is not dangerous, he didn’t choose to kill Theo, it was the result of an accident, and incarcerating him with people that choose to commit violent acts of crime, burglaries , or drug dealing wouldn’t do him any good, or achieve anything at all.
Jason’s sentence is controversial, and some argue too short. He got a two year ban which I assume is for driving on the road illegally, and 20 months for leaving the scene of an accident & perverting the course of justice to which he pleaded guilty, which could possibly be reduced to 10 months if he stays out of trouble and applies his time to something positive. And even then once released he will be on a tag, living in fear in his own neighbourhood.
For all those that use the word murder, he did not wake up in the morning the plan to run over a boy, Jason killed Theo as the result of an unfortunate tragic accident, and he compounded the situation further by his confused, immature & scared actions. No more no less, there was no intent or malice just a tragic accident that ended Theo’s life & changed Jason’s for the worse. If there were stronger evidence to prove otherwise he would have been sentenced accordingly.
I was once told that “An eye for and eye” would lead to a blind world, threatening to beat Jason up, or kill him wont solve anything, wont bring Theo back or soften the pain for the family, Instead we must learn from the bad and channel it towards something good, something positive how ever big or small that act may be.
I use Sholing Road regularly and was driving within the speed limit down that very same road only 6 weeks after Theo’s Death, and almost hit a boy on a bike who came out from behind a car, no more than 50 meters from Theo’s memorial is, I was in the works Transit van, if I had weight on board I honestly think I might have hit him. I am grateful that my employer maintains the vans to a high standard, giving me every chance in that situation
Sholing Road is a long straight road, in a residential area with lots of parked cars and a large park, & skate park attended by so many kids, its surprised me no speed bumps or traffic calming measures have been installed to prevent another accident from happening, I wish that people would concentrate on campaigning for something more positive like this, than verbally beating & threatening Jason.
I will look forward to the day my friend Jason, is released & has served his sentence; I will support him to get his life back on track & continue to defend him because I know him not to be a bad person, despite the mistakes he has made and the image that others have portrayed of him. I don’t expect Theo’s family to ever stop hating Jason…..or understand why I & his friends stand by him, I just hope that friends and family can concentrate on the good memories of Theo rather than negative feelings and actions.
This will be my only post, I have not posted to cause further dispute but to share my feeling on the subject on a public place & to generate some positive thoughts and understanding.
Posted by: Theo's Mum, Home on 4:22pm Tue 5 Aug 08
In answer to jason's friend, what the echo printed was true about Jason Tobola, he was out partying after he killed Theo there were even pictures of him on his facebook site in December last year.As for his friends posting them on his site surely if he had half a brain he would have removed them it's pretty obvious that once people found out who he was they would be looking at sites like facebook to see just what type of a person he is.I wonder if your friend will continue to drive without any insurance? do you think that he has learnt his lesson?you are obviously a good friend to him , perhaps he might listen to you he obviously didn't take much notice of his mother after he lost his licence the last time.The so called threats to his family must be coming from Theo's fathers side as they most certainly are not . coming from my side.
In answer to jason's friend, what the echo printed was true about Jason Tobola, he was out partying after he killed Theo there were even pictures of him on his facebook site in December last year.As for his friends posting them on his site surely if he had half a brain he would have removed them it's pretty obvious that once people found out who he was they would be looking at sites like facebook to see just what type of a person he is.I wonder if your friend will continue to drive without any insurance? do you think that he has learnt his lesson?you are obviously a good friend to him , perhaps he might listen to you he obviously didn't take much notice of his mother after he lost his licence the last time.The so called threats to his family must be coming from Theo's fathers side as they most certainly are not . coming from my side.
Posted by: A Friend, Southampton on 3:27am Wed 6 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Theo\\\'s Mum[/bold] wrote:
In answer to jason\\\'s friend, what the echo printed was true about Jason Tobola, he was out partying after he killed Theo there were even pictures of him on his facebook site in December last year.As for his friends posting them on his site surely if he had half a brain he would have removed them it\\\'s pretty obvious that once people found out who he was they would be looking at sites like facebook to see just what type of a person he is.I wonder if your friend will continue to drive without any insurance? do you think that he has learnt his lesson?you are obviously a good friend to him , perhaps he might listen to you he obviously didn\\\'t take much notice of his mother after he lost his licence the last time.The so called threats to his family must be coming from Theo\\\'s fathers side as they most certainly are not . coming from my side.[/quote] Theo's Mum,
I cannot defend Jason’s actions & mistakes....it is too late for that and he has now been sentenced accordingly. I will however defend his character as a friend, as people are painting him out to be this heartless monster, and it’s simply not true. Recent contact from him shows he certainly realises where he is, and why he is there.... and has a daily reminder of it.
The Echo have many facts incorrect, I can assure you Jason was not out partying after killing your son, if you viewed his Facebook account in December, then some photos must have been pre 23.11.07. His closest friends, including myself did not see Jason until February, he literally went in to hiding, staying at different relatives addresses & not always having internet access. We received the occasional text from him during that time.
Photos pictured in the Echo were from party’s dated;
02.03.2008
29.03.2008
21.06.2008
The reason I know this is because I attended the parties, and was one of his friends that encouraged him to get out of his house. As it was not doing him any good, or the relationships with other family members any good, friends had to pick him up as he would not walk or take a bus. The first two parties he put on a brave face initially but later, the alcohol brought out his true upset state. This is what the pictures do not show……
I know the dates because I helped him check them all the night before court on the 18.07.08 when he was sentenced. I have now also completely blocked all access to his account at his request, and I removed the pictures myself.
Only his closest circle of friends knew about the accident early on, and his name wasn’t released in the press until 09.04.2008. This is when he restricted his Facebook account & changed it, obviously not enough; otherwise those more recent pictures would not have made it in to print. I don’t know at what point his name was made known to you, and can only imagine how much it distressed you to see his Facebook profile so soon after Theo’s death in December. I do know for a fact, that first he knew you had seen his profile was on the bridge when I think your daughter mentioned it that day, and he realised how bad it must have appeared to you all.
The 25.06.2008 was a bad day for him & I am sure difficult for you. This was the day you spotted him on the bridge, he ran over four miles to get to the safety of a friends house, and after being threaded by Theo’s father in court on the 13.06.08 he did not know who else was near by or on there way………. He was very upset to see all of your emotion, distress and anger at him, especially by your son and daughter that much I do know. He has had other incidents in town or at work, where he has been threaded punched or beaten up by so called friends.
It is also incorrect that he lost his licence in April 07, for the same offences, it is correct that he lost his licence but for other less serious offences, nowadays younger drivers are on a 2 year probationary licence, only requiring 6 points instead of the usual 12 to lose it, with most minor offence carrying 3 points it only takes two strikes and your out, this is what happened to Jason, and can happen to so many other young inexperienced drivers.
With regard to the threats, its no matter where or who they are coming from, it was to be expected, people cope in different ways and Jason knew that, hence why he disappeared till February, Its just a bit tough to have someone threaten to burn your house down, He is a strong character and take what’s coming to him, but naturally will do all he can do to protect his family & friends. After the last two court date’s & insensitive reporting of the Echo, and printing of his address his mother spends little or no time at her home….. We were all expecting a photo to be printed and for him to been named and shamed, but they went too far.
As a close friend to Jason, I can assure you since 23.11.07 there has not been a day that he has not though about his actions & your son, He’s been reminded one way or another of that night either by family arguments, phone calls, threats, police interviews, dates, visits, solicitors appointments, phone calls, court dates……and other altercations. And he will continue to be reminded for the next 20 months daily, and I am sure this experience will affect him in other ways for the rest of his life.
I don’t expect any of this to bring you any comfort or make your grieving any easier, and like wise I don’t want to belittle the loss of your son & what you have gone through compared to the short term hardship Jason has had to go through, I just hope to make you & others aware that he is genuinely remorseful, is not the heartless monster that he has been portrayed and has not had it as easy as people think,
Theo's Mum wrote:
In answer to jason's friend, what the echo printed was true about Jason Tobola, he was out partying after he killed Theo there were even pictures of him on his facebook site in December last year.As for his friends posting them on his site surely if he had half a brain he would have removed them it's pretty obvious that once people found out who he was they would be looking at sites like facebook to see just what type of a person he is.I wonder if your friend will continue to drive without any insurance? do you think that he has learnt his lesson?you are obviously a good friend to him , perhaps he might listen to you he obviously didn't take much notice of his mother after he lost his licence the last time.The so called threats to his family must be coming from Theo's fathers side as they most certainly are not . coming from my side.
Theo's Mum,
I cannot defend Jason’s actions & mistakes....it is too late for that and he has now been sentenced accordingly. I will however defend his character as a friend, as people are painting him out to be this heartless monster, and it’s simply not true. Recent contact from him shows he certainly realises where he is, and why he is there.... and has a daily reminder of it.
The Echo have many facts incorrect, I can assure you Jason was not out partying after killing your son, if you viewed his Facebook account in December, then some photos must have been pre 23.11.07. His closest friends, including myself did not see Jason until February, he literally went in to hiding, staying at different relatives addresses & not always having internet access. We received the occasional text from him during that time.
Photos pictured in the Echo were from party’s dated;
02.03.2008
29.03.2008
21.06.2008
The reason I know this is because I attended the parties, and was one of his friends that encouraged him to get out of his house. As it was not doing him any good, or the relationships with other family members any good, friends had to pick him up as he would not walk or take a bus. The first two parties he put on a brave face initially but later, the alcohol brought out his true upset state. This is what the pictures do not show……
I know the dates because I helped him check them all the night before court on the 18.07.08 when he was sentenced. I have now also completely blocked all access to his account at his request, and I removed the pictures myself.
Only his closest circle of friends knew about the accident early on, and his name wasn’t released in the press until 09.04.2008. This is when he restricted his Facebook account & changed it, obviously not enough; otherwise those more recent pictures would not have made it in to print. I don’t know at what point his name was made known to you, and can only imagine how much it distressed you to see his Facebook profile so soon after Theo’s death in December. I do know for a fact, that first he knew you had seen his profile was on the bridge when I think your daughter mentioned it that day, and he realised how bad it must have appeared to you all.
The 25.06.2008 was a bad day for him & I am sure difficult for you. This was the day you spotted him on the bridge, he ran over four miles to get to the safety of a friends house, and after being threaded by Theo’s father in court on the 13.06.08 he did not know who else was near by or on there way………. He was very upset to see all of your emotion, distress and anger at him, especially by your son and daughter that much I do know. He has had other incidents in town or at work, where he has been threaded punched or beaten up by so called friends.
It is also incorrect that he lost his licence in April 07, for the same offences, it is correct that he lost his licence but for other less serious offences, nowadays younger drivers are on a 2 year probationary licence, only requiring 6 points instead of the usual 12 to lose it, with most minor offence carrying 3 points it only takes two strikes and your out, this is what happened to Jason, and can happen to so many other young inexperienced drivers.
With regard to the threats, its no matter where or who they are coming from, it was to be expected, people cope in different ways and Jason knew that, hence why he disappeared till February, Its just a bit tough to have someone threaten to burn your house down, He is a strong character and take what’s coming to him, but naturally will do all he can do to protect his family & friends. After the last two court date’s & insensitive reporting of the Echo, and printing of his address his mother spends little or no time at her home….. We were all expecting a photo to be printed and for him to been named and shamed, but they went too far.
As a close friend to Jason, I can assure you since 23.11.07 there has not been a day that he has not though about his actions & your son, He’s been reminded one way or another of that night either by family arguments, phone calls, threats, police interviews, dates, visits, solicitors appointments, phone calls, court dates……and other altercations. And he will continue to be reminded for the next 20 months daily, and I am sure this experience will affect him in other ways for the rest of his life.
I don’t expect any of this to bring you any comfort or make your grieving any easier, and like wise I don’t want to belittle the loss of your son & what you have gone through compared to the short term hardship Jason has had to go through, I just hope to make you & others aware that he is genuinely remorseful, is not the heartless monster that he has been portrayed and has not had it as easy as people think,
Posted by: Theo's Mum, Home on 1:38pm Wed 6 Aug 08
We only found out who he was in April thats when we discovered his facebook site and I know he lost his licence before because he didn't have any insurance as the police told me. As for the echo they printed the facts that were true and why shouldn't they print a picture of him and say where he lived he'd been protected since November.Maybe if you had attended his court appearance you might have learnt a few things that he omitted to tell you and his friends and family, his grandparents went along but they obviously didn't like what they heard and left before sentencing.You have only heard his version of the accident.You think it's difficult for his mother? you want to try and imagine what my life is like,how I have to come to terms with the loss of my son,I dont socialise anymore, unlike your friend who managed to stay in for all of 3 months before resuming his social life, I spend most of my time on my own. Your friend went home and tried to cover his tracks and even ate a pizza while doing so, while I and my family were at the hospital identifying my son's body,you can never imagine what that feels like unless you have had to do that.Let him sit in his cell and think about what he's done , if he hadn't got in his car while uninsured yet again and driven at 45 miles an hour in a road with a 30 mile an hour speed limit without his lights on then my son would still be alive.As for Theo's father threatening him in court,I never heard him,so you only have your friends sayso on that, but if he did can you honestly blame him imagine if it was your son if you have one.
We only found out who he was in April thats when we discovered his facebook site and I know he lost his licence before because he didn't have any insurance as the police told me. As for the echo they printed the facts that were true and why shouldn't they print a picture of him and say where he lived he'd been protected since November.Maybe if you had attended his court appearance you might have learnt a few things that he omitted to tell you and his friends and family, his grandparents went along but they obviously didn't like what they heard and left before sentencing.You have only heard his version of the accident.You think it's difficult for his mother? you want to try and imagine what my life is like,how I have to come to terms with the loss of my son,I dont socialise anymore, unlike your friend who managed to stay in for all of 3 months before resuming his social life, I spend most of my time on my own. Your friend went home and tried to cover his tracks and even ate a pizza while doing so, while I and my family were at the hospital identifying my son's body,you can never imagine what that feels like unless you have had to do that.Let him sit in his cell and think about what he's done , if he hadn't got in his car while uninsured yet again and driven at 45 miles an hour in a road with a 30 mile an hour speed limit without his lights on then my son would still be alive.As for Theo's father threatening him in court,I never heard him,so you only have your friends sayso on that, but if he did can you honestly blame him imagine if it was your son if you have one.
Posted by: A Friend, Southampton on 3:07pm Wed 6 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Theo\'s Mum[/bold] wrote:
We only found out who he was in April thats when we discovered his facebook site and I know he lost his licence before because he didn\'t have any insurance as the police told me. As for the echo they printed the facts that were true and why shouldn\'t they print a picture of him and say where he lived he\'d been protected since November.Maybe if you had attended his court appearance you might have learnt a few things that he omitted to tell you and his friends and family, his grandparents went along but they obviously didn\'t like what they heard and left before sentencing.You have only heard his version of the accident.You think it\'s difficult for his mother? you want to try and imagine what my life is like,how I have to come to terms with the loss of my son,I dont socialise anymore, unlike your friend who managed to stay in for all of 3 months before resuming his social life, I spend most of my time on my own. Your friend went home and tried to cover his tracks and even ate a pizza while doing so, while I and my family were at the hospital identifying my son\'s body,you can never imagine what that feels like unless you have had to do that.Let him sit in his cell and think about what he\'s done , if he hadn\'t got in his car while uninsured yet again and driven at 45 miles an hour in a road with a 30 mile an hour speed limit without his lights on then my son would still be alive.As for Theo\'s father threatening him in court,I never heard him,so you only have your friends sayso on that, but if he did can you honestly blame him imagine if it was your son if you have one.[/quote] Theo’s Mum,
I am in now way justifying or defending what has happened, or his actions directly after the accident, that is not my job and he has now been sentenced accordingly with evidence presented, am just being a friend to the good person I know in him. And I really don’t wish to debate the details & facts I know to be correct / incorrect as it will do no good.
As I said before with the up most respect, I am not belittling the loss of your son & what you, your family & friends have gone through compared to Jason's short term hardship, I can only imagine how terrible it has been for you your family & friends, I have also lost love ones but in a less tragic way so can only imagine.
I just wanted to convey to you, from the point of view of a friend that has watched events unfold from the beginning that he has suffered & is genuinely remorseful, that’s all. And I think I have done that sufficiently.
Theo\'s Mum wrote:
We only found out who he was in April thats when we discovered his facebook site and I know he lost his licence before because he didn\'t have any insurance as the police told me. As for the echo they printed the facts that were true and why shouldn\'t they print a picture of him and say where he lived he\'d been protected since November.Maybe if you had attended his court appearance you might have learnt a few things that he omitted to tell you and his friends and family, his grandparents went along but they obviously didn\'t like what they heard and left before sentencing.You have only heard his version of the accident.You think it\'s difficult for his mother? you want to try and imagine what my life is like,how I have to come to terms with the loss of my son,I dont socialise anymore, unlike your friend who managed to stay in for all of 3 months before resuming his social life, I spend most of my time on my own. Your friend went home and tried to cover his tracks and even ate a pizza while doing so, while I and my family were at the hospital identifying my son\'s body,you can never imagine what that feels like unless you have had to do that.Let him sit in his cell and think about what he\'s done , if he hadn\'t got in his car while uninsured yet again and driven at 45 miles an hour in a road with a 30 mile an hour speed limit without his lights on then my son would still be alive.As for Theo\'s father threatening him in court,I never heard him,so you only have your friends sayso on that, but if he did can you honestly blame him imagine if it was your son if you have one.
Theo’s Mum,
I am in now way justifying or defending what has happened, or his actions directly after the accident, that is not my job and he has now been sentenced accordingly with evidence presented, am just being a friend to the good person I know in him. And I really don’t wish to debate the details & facts I know to be correct / incorrect as it will do no good.
As I said before with the up most respect, I am not belittling the loss of your son & what you, your family & friends have gone through compared to Jason's short term hardship, I can only imagine how terrible it has been for you your family & friends, I have also lost love ones but in a less tragic way so can only imagine.
I just wanted to convey to you, from the point of view of a friend that has watched events unfold from the beginning that he has suffered & is genuinely remorseful, that’s all. And I think I have done that sufficiently.
