Chef texted pal saying 'I've killed someone' after crashing into elderly pedestrian in hit and run

Дата публикации: 15-07-2026 15:08:19

Wellness retreat chef Sonny Horsfall, 18, fled the scene of the crash leaving his victim lying on the floor in Redcar

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Wellness retreat chef Sonny Horsfall, 18, fled the scene of the crash leaving his victim lying on the floor in Redcar

A hit-and-run driver messaged a friend to say "I've killed someone" after he lost control and ploughed his newly-bought car into an 84-year-old man. Sonny Horsfall, 18, fled the scene after he lost control of his black Audi A4, on April 22, on West Dyke Road in Redcar.

The Audi hurtled over a grass area, hit a tree and headed straight into the pensioner, who was walking home on a footpath, at 10.23pm, Durham Crown Court heard. The victim was "thrown into the air," Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, told the court on Wednesday, July 15.

"The front wheel of the Audi was hanging off; and there were orange sparks coming from the vehicle. The front windscreen was smashed and there was damage to the bonnet," Ms Marsay said. The crash was captured on CCTV.

Horsfall, who was disqualified from driving, grabbed the car key and fled the scene. Less than two hours later, at 11.53pm, he ordered a pizza. The court heard that one neighbour began screaming when she came across the victim, lying on the grass and that an ambulance was called.

Horsfall, who lives with his mum in Pickering and works as a chef at a wellness retreat, bought the Audi A4 from a friend, for £250, at 6pm that evening. By 11pm, he contacted the pal to say that he had "lost control" after coming out of a junction and had "hit someone."

"I'm going to get seriously f***** for it," Horsfall messaged. "I went up the kerb. Bro, the man got smashed. He's bad, bro. I think I killed him."

Horsfall was arrested the next day after police found him in Malton. Officers realised he was disqualified from driving. Horsfall had driven over 30 miles to Redcar that evening, and recorded Snapchat videos en route, the court heard.

On Skelton High Street, the video showed he was driving at 48mph over speed bumps. He wrote: "Smoke 'em boys" as he beeped at other drivers. "F*** the red lights," he typed, "you're getting dusted."

After the crash, Horsfall messaged a pal on Snapchat: "Bro, I'm going to jail. I've killed someone. I hit someone in a car. Hit an old man, his head smashed the windscreen. My DNA all over the car. I smashed my face off the wheel. I ripped the key out and then I ran off."

Pensioner's 'force of character'

The victim underwent surgery to rebuild his hip. He was placed in an induced coma in hospital but has since made a good recovery, Ms Marsay said. In a statement, the pensioner said he did not remember the collision but that he suffered damage to his hip; broken bones in his back; and a broken foot.

He said that he was "largely immobile" after his operation and underwent rehabilitation to learn how to walk again. He can now walk a short distance using a walking frame. "I was a fit, healthy and independent 84-year-old man," he said. "I was able to cook for myself, drive, and go out and meet people. The loss of my independence and dignity has been one of the hardest consequences of this incident.

"I really miss being able to get out and about as I used to." The widower said that he does not know "what would have happened to me" if neighbours hadn't come out to help.

Horsfall, of Ryedale View in Kirkbymoorside, sat with his hands over his eyes, as he listened to details of the victim's injuries. He pleaded guilty to:

• causing serious injury by dangerous driving;
• driving whilst disqualified and with no insurance; and
• failing to stop after a road traffic accident, at an earlier hearing.

His barrister Kelly Clarke told the court that "the man described in this offence, is in stark difference to the man I have met." Ms Clarke said that the 18-year-old is "suffering from PTSD and is not sleeping."

The defence barrister told the court that Horsfall said he'd taken "two pregabalin" tablets in the lead up to the crash and that he is now "wholly remorseful." "Custody has been a shock to him," Ms Clarke added. "He's been assaulted. Someone took a blade to his face and he required 16 stitches."

Judge Christopher Knox told Horsfall that he had behaved "with wickedness and stupidity". He said that the friend who sold the Audi "made it clear that it was not in proper order."

"You lost control of the car, mounted the pavement and took out an active and law-abiding gentleman. He's suffered real injuries which are a disability to him," said the judge. "Because of his own force of character, and with the assistance of friends and family, he's made a remarkable recovery."

The judge jailed Horsfall for three years and disqualified him from driving for four years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachael Johnson, said: “This was a shocking and wholly avoidable collision which has left an 84-year-old man with serious injuries while simply walking home on the pavement.

“Sonny Horsfall mounted the pavement striking the victim and rather than remaining at the scene to assist an elderly man who had suffered serious injuries, he chose to think only of himself. He fled the scene, went to an associates address nearby and ordered himself a pizza.

“The circumstances of this case demonstrate a complete disregard for the safety of others. Sonny Horsfall was uninsured, did not hold a driving licence and had been observed driving dangerously shortly prior to the collision.

“It is hoped the sentence handed to Sonny Horsfall today serves as a clear reminder of the consequences of disregarding the rules of the road. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility, not a right. Anyone who gets behind the wheel without a licence, without insurance, or who drives recklessly is placing innocent members of the public at risk. The outcome of this case could easily have been fatal.

“We remain committed to pursuing those who choose to endanger others on our roads and ensuring they are held fully accountable for their actions. I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with the investigation, as well as those who stopped to provide aid and support to the victim at the scene.

“Our thoughts remain with (the victim) and his family as he continues his recovery.”

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