A father whose disabled son was tragically killed as he tried to cross the M62 motorway in the aftermath of a crash has admitted to manslaughter.
Callum Rycroft, from Leeds, was described by his family in a devastating tribute paid earlier last month as a being a “beautiful happy soul” who was known for bringing “light, laughter, and noise into any room”.
But the 12-year-old tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident on the M62.
Callum was a passenger in his father, Matthew Rycroft’s, Audi Q5 on the day he died on 5 August 2023, with the 36-year-old having been drinking with family throughout the day, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), before driving off and subsequently crashing the vehicle off an M62 slip exit road for the Hartshead Moor Services in West Yorkshire.
Rycroft managed to exit the motorway, but failed to negotiate a sharp bend on the slip road before hitting the kerb and overturning the vehicle, the CPS said.
Courts heard this week that, Matthew and Callum – who was said to have had no speed awareness due to his disability – then attempted to cross the motorway carriageway moments later, in what prosecutors described as “reckless folly”.
⚖️ A dad has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his 12-year-old son Callum Rycroft after crashing his car on the motorway.
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Callum.
Callum was then struck by an oncoming vehicle, and was confirmed to have died instantly at the scene.
Yesterday, Matthew Rycroft pleaded guilty to manslaughter of his son, as well as dangerous driving, and for failing to provide a specimen.
According to the CPS, Rycroft’s parents had urged him not to drive home from their residence in Huddersfield, where he and Callum had been visiting, and had offered the pair a place to stay overnight, but the father “paid no heed”, before refusing and driving away.
“Callum was heard in the background saying ‘Dad… won’t stop’,” the CPS said.
“[Rycroft’s] parents also tried to follow him, but Rycroft ignored them, and his Audi was seen driving erratically in Huddersfield, before joining the M62 at junction 25.”
Father admits manslaughter of disabled 12-year-old son who died trying to cross M62 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
As Rycroft appeared via a video link from prison to Leeds Crown Court yesterday – where he entered his guilty pleas – the CPS continued in its account: “Rycroft and Callum then began to walk toward the main carriageway. Callum called his mother, and dialled 999, but Rycroft told him to end the call. They were seen to cross the motorway to the central reservation, and then for an unknown reason tried to run back.”
Ultimately, Tom Neofytou from the CPS said Callum “should have been under the protection of his father”, and described it as an “absolutely tragic incident”.
Matthew Rycroft is to be sentenced no earlier than 19 September.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2023 
