A reckless speeding driver who killed a teenage boy on a bike in the North East and tried to cover it up by fleeing the scene, leaving him in the road, has been jailed.

Officers were alerted to a collision involving a car and a pedal bike on Glover Road in Washington shortly after 10pm on August 14 last year.

It was reported that a red Vauxhall Corsa had been travelling north onto Silverstone Road, when it struck a boy on a bike, who was crossing from the underpass.

The Northern Echo: Kayn Galer Kayn Galer (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Read more: Washington bike crash: Boy hurt and man arrested

The driver – now known to be 20-year-old Kayn Galer – initially sped away, leaving the boy to fight for his life.

A short time later, Galer returned to the scene after being convinced by a friend – and was greeted by emergency services, who were already in attendance.

While being quizzed by officers on how fast he had been driving, Galer lied and said he was doing "no more than 20 or 30 miles per hour" and insisted that he had not fled.

Read more: Washington bike crash: Tributes to 13-year-old Gregg McGuire

An investigation was immediately launched by the Force’s Motor Patrols department, and Galer was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The boy, who was named as 13-year-old Gregg Lewis McGuire from Washington, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died two days later on August 16.

Following his death, Gregg’s heartbroken family paid tribute to their “cheeky boy who lived life to the fullest”.

Galer was later charged with a string of offences as part of the investigation. He appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on June 15 and pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, using a vehicle without third party insurance and failing to stop after an accident.The Northern Echo: Gregg Lewis McGuire Gregg Lewis McGuire (Image: Northumbria Police)

On Friday, July 28, Galer, of Pinewood Avenue in Harraton, Washington, appeared before the same court where he was sentenced to nine months in a Young Offenders Institute, with a three-year driving ban and extended test requirement after release.

Speaking after the sentencing, Sergeant Ray Lowery, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was an absolutely tragic case – and our thoughts remain with Gregg’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

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“I have the upmost respect for how they have carried themselves through what has been such a devastating ordeal and I would like to commend their bravery and composure throughout the investigation.

“Galer’s reckless actions on that fateful day caused the death of a much-loved, happy, teenage boy who had his whole life ahead of him.

“Not only that, but Galer initially fled the scene and failed to report what had happened to emergency services – leaving Gregg helpless lying in the road, without the medical support he so desperately needed.