Biker tried to flee country after hitting girl, 10, on Southampton road

Oskars Bolsteins was travelling at almost twice the 30mph speed limit when he ploughed into the girl, who was crossing Onslow Road in Southampton on August 1 this year.

It happened moments after Bolsteins and another biker had accelerated away from a nearby set of traffic lights.

Ed Elton, prosecuting, told Southampton Crown Court that the defendant left the scene and was stopped at Dover four days later while attempting to leave the UK.

Crash experts established that Bolsteins was travelling at between 55mph and 59mph when the collision occurred near the Rockstone pub.

The girl, who was one of several people crossing the road, was hit by the defendant's bike and suffered a serious leg injury.

The crash happened near the Rockstone pub in Onslow Road, Southampton, on August 1 2022 (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

Mr Elton read a statement written by the girl's mother, who said: "I cannot forgive him for what he has done to me and my family."

Bolsteins, 27, of no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Keely Harvey, mitigating, dismissed suggestions he was racing the other biker and also denied he attempted to flee the country.

"He was stopped at Dover but had already booked time off - he regularly goes back and forth to Latvia. He was not deliberately fleeing jurisdiction, but it was bad timing and a poor choice."

Ms Harvey said Bolsteins was shocked when he heard how fast he had been driving.

She added: "He accepts that had been going slower he would probably not have caused the serious and significant injury that he has done."

Bolsteins was jailed at Southampton Crown Court. (Image: Newsquest)

Judge Nicholas Rowland told him: "A young girl was crossing the road when you ploughed into her. Having run her over you got back on your bike and off you went. Four days later you were trying to leave the country."

Bolsteins was jailed for nine months for causing serious injury by careless driving, plus two months for failing to stop. The two terms will run concurrently.

He was also banned from driving for two years. There were no separate penalties for the other offences.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.