Hit-and-run driver jailed after killing boy, 12, and hiding in Latvia for years

Hit-and-run driver jailed after killing boy, 12, and hiding in Latvia for years Dolars Aleksanders, 23, has been jailed for more than nine years and banned from driving after killing Keaton Slater, 12, in a hit-and-run crash before fleeing to Latvia A man who killed a 12-year-old boy in a hit-and-run crash before fleeing to Latvia has been jailed. Dolars Aleksanders was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court today after admitting to causing the death of Keaton Slater by dangerous driving. Keaton was killed in a hit-and-run collision on Radford Road, Coventry, on June 14, 2024. Aleksanders, 23, was driving a BMW at speeds of more than 70mph in a 30mph zone when he struck Keaton shortly after 4.30pm. Paramedics were called, but the youngster had suffered fatal injuries. Instead of stopping to help Keaton, Aleksanders, who is originally from Latvia, fled the scene and abandoned his BMW more than six miles away on Frederick Road. He returned to his home country after the collision and remained there for more than two years. Aleksanders was extradited back to the UK in August 2026. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Warwick Crown Court in September, Coventry Live reports. Aleksanders was today jailed for nine years and four months for causing death by dangerous driving. He was also disqualified from driving for 16 years. Today marks a significant moment for the Slaters, who have spent more than two years waiting for justice. Parents Louise and Clint have spoken publicly about their determination to see Aleksanders face the consequences of his actions. Mum Louise said the family wanted to look Aleksanders in the eye and explain how his actions had affected their lives. In a victim impact statement, she told the court: "No parent should ever have to write these words and speak about their child in past tense. [Keaton] was funny, caring and full of life. He brought happiness into his home simply by being himself." Louise added: "It is not only Keaton who died that day part of us all as a family died with him. Our baby is gone forever [...] As a mother the thought of a 12-year-old child being left there stays with you every single day." Clint said Keaton was a "little mini-me," adding the youngster was "a huge part of my heart, life and world." Keaton was a "passionate Coventry City supporter" who loved watching and playing football, Clint said. "I will never get to stand on the sidelines and watch him play again." "The fact that I arrived there and saw my son being covered up is something that will haunt me."