The Khetani family from Stanmore are seeking legal justice after the driver who left two-year-old Kai Khetani permanently brain damaged avoided jail.
On 5thOctober 2017, Ben Etheridge, 23, from Hillingdon pleaded to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Harrow Crown Court, and was sentenced on 23rdMarch 2018. He was given a three-month curfew, a three-year driving ban, 240 hours community service and a two-year suspended sentence.
On 26thAugust 2016, grandfather Shivji Patel, and Kai Khetani, who was only two at the time, were hit by a vehicle on a pedestrian crossing in Kenton Road.
Kai's father, Rakesh Khetani recalls, “When I arrived [at the scene of the accident], I could see police and the air ambulance service. Then I saw Kai on the floor and I was all over the place. I went straight to tears. I just hoped he would survive.”
The grandfather suffered head injuries, as well as a broken shoulder and ankle; however, Kai's injuries were more grave. He suffered head trauma and fractures to his legs and hips.
The family has launched a civil case against the driver and have written to Harrow East MP, Bob Blackman to appeal to the Attorney General on their behalf.
MP Bob Blackman wrote to the Attorney General, Jeremy Wright, appealing the sentence, and also raised the issue in the House of Commons.
MP Bob Blackman said, “I want the family to feel justice has been served given the circumstances and life-changing injuries inflicted upon the young boy.”
