News Mums Advice March 25, 2025 0 Comments

Inquest concludes into deaths of father and son killed in hit-and-run

AN inquest into the deaths of a father and son who were killed by a driver in a hit-and-run has closed.

Viscount Mark Harris, acting as coroner, determined that Dean Lowe (48) and his 11-year-old son, Charlie, died from “unsurvivable” head injuries following a high-speed collision on Rue de Fauvic in Grouville on the evening of 5 August 2023.

Held on Monday afternoon at Morier House, the inquest reviewed evidence from criminal proceedings against 29-year-old Dylan John Pounds, who was found guilty last year of causing the father and son’s deaths by dangerous driving following a week-long trial in the Royal Court.

Pounds received a 15-year prison sentence.

Summarising the court’s findings, the viscount said Pounds had been drinking heavily throughout the afternoon and was double the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the crash.

Evidence showed he made no attempt to slow down, swerve, or stop before hitting the pedestrians. He was driving at around 44mph in a 30mph zone and ignored road signs warning drivers to reduce speed, the inquest heard.

Pounds did not stop after the collision and continued driving despite his van being left badly damaged.

The inquest heard that Mr Lowe and his son lost consciousness “immediately” due to the severity of their injuries.

Mr Lowe was pronounced dead at 11.15pm in the Emergency Department, and Charlie at 12.01am.

The coroner confirmed that Mr Lowe died from head and neck injuries, while Charlie suffered fatal head injuries.

The coroner extended his condolences to the family and acknowledged the tragic circumstances of the deaths.