I’ve been meaning to write an update for a few weeks now, I’ve even started them a couple of times but the words just didn’t come.
In early December, there was a plea hearing at Croydon Magistrates Court. Deb and I went and whilst we were incredibly anxious, we had waited a long time for this day. It would be the first time Debbie would see the person responsible for Lillie’s death, that in itself was very overwhelming.
The magistrates organised it very well and thankfully, we didn’t actually see him, we only heard him! It came as no surprise that he didn’t plea, his defense told the judge he wasn’t sure how he wanted to plea.
The biggest surprise of the day was, the judge ‘took away’ his (the driver’s) driving license! Finally, 49 weeks after his actions caused the death of our beautiful Lillie, he wasn’t permitted to drive… The first time we felt there was a consequence to his actions… We felt this was a real achievement, Lillie’s Law - it’s what we have been fighting for - almost a year too late but finally, he was no longer a danger on our roads.
The magistrate referred Lillie’s case to The Old Bailey, apparently, this is normal when someone passes away/killed. The date was set for the 3rd January 2023.
Christmas, as you can imagine, was hard this year, very tough. There were no decorations, trees, Christmas crackers or gifts this year and to be honest, I’m not sure there will be again, or at least for a long time.
On the 3rd January 2023, Mr Charlie Hilton pleaded GUILTY to:
Causing the Death of Lillie Jane Clack by Dangerous Driving.
Causing serious injury to 4 other persons by Dangerous Driving
Failing to stop for the police
Drink Drinking (significantly over the limit)
Charlie Hilton was put on remand pending sentencing!
The person responsible for causing Lillie’s death is behind bars, in jail where he belongs.
We will be going back to The Old Bailey at some point soon…
Getting justice for Lil has been our main priority and finally, we are going in the right direction.
Our family would like to say a massive thank you for all your support…once justice is served, we will step up our campaign.
Over the past few days we have had a real boost which has taken us over 25,000 - compared to some petitions, the numbers are low but that’s okay… we will win this battle for Lillie and ever other mum, dad, brother, sister, auntie, uncle, cousin and friend that will lose a loved one because someone made a selfish decision and put their own needs first which results in another unnecessary death.
Collating the evidence needed and leaving ‘no wriggle room’ takes time, and that of course is right. Therefore, having peace of mind the driver is not permitted to do that again while the evidence is being gathered, will provide some comfort at that time and gives a sense that your loved ones life mattered. It took us almost 12 months to get that acknowledgment… it’s unfair and just not right!
Thank you all again for your continued support and messages. We are unable to respond to comments and in some cases I’d love too… so many sad and heartbreaking comments - we feel for you all. If you would like me to respond, please send an email to: eyeswetnow@gmail.com (I’ll explain this in our next update)
Until then, Take care… look after one another and don’t forget to tell people, ‘I love you’… tomorrow isn’t promised xx