A car thief who knocked down a mother as he tried to steal her car has been jailed indefinitely.
Shaun David James Higgins (born 17/3/86) of Church Street, Leigh, was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for public protection at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 23 July 2010. He must serve a minimum of six years before being considered for parole.
Higgins has also been banned from driving for nine years.
He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Lynda Hankey, aged 42, at an earlier hearing.
At about 4.20pm on Thursday 14 January 2010, Lynda and her partner were at home in Worsley Mesnes getting ready to go shopping with her partner's five-year-old son.
The weather was cold and the roads were icy so Lynda went out, started the car to warm it up and left the engine running while she went back in the house.
Higgins saw the car sitting on the road with the engine running and got in.
Her partner's son was sitting near the door putting his shoes on and he noticed the car begin to move so shouted his mum and Lynda.
The women ran out and Lynda ran into the road, waving her arms trying to get the car to stop.
Higgins did not stop and hit Lynda, throwing her up on to the bonnet.
Lynda fell from the car to the ground as Higgins turned out of the road and sped off.
Despite the icy conditions, Higgins speed was such that witnesses described the car leaving the ground as he drove over speed humps in the estate.
Lynda suffered head injuries and died later that evening.
Lynda's car was found in a back alley off Leigh Road, Leigh, near to Higgins' home and he was arrested the following morning.
Senior Investigating Officer Andy Tattersall, from the Major Investigation Team, said: "Higgins has a long history of antisocial behaviour, burglary and car crime - he seems to have a total disregard for authority despite the sentences given to him in the past but perhaps now he will learn that crime can and does devastate the lives of innocent people.
"His selfish and reckless behaviour has shattered the lives of Lynda's partner and family and I hope that seeing Higgins get the justice he deserves is of some comfort to them."
Jamie Hudson, Lynda's partner, said: "Lynda was my everything. She was my best friend and my soul mate and we were meant to be. We adored each other. I really thought we'd be spending the rest of our lives together.
"Lynda loved life and lived it to the full. She was always laughing and smiling and always had time for others we were planning to get married next Christmas. She was very protective over me and my five-year-old son Tyler. Not only were they best friends but she was also a devoted mum to him. She was all he ever knew. Lynda was absolutely fantastic with him and we cannot begin to say how much we miss her. Our home and lives are not the same, I have lost the love of my life.
"Tyler will never be the same boy again and he does not understand that his mummy is not coming back. He witnessed what happened that day, and has had nightmares since. He can't even stay in his own bed but always has done before. He keeps asking me: 'What are we going to do? Who is going to look after us now?' and most of all he says: 'Who will you marry now mummy?'
"I will forever be emotionally scarred and heartbroken. The only thing that keeps me going and breathing is my son. I have also had such great support from myself and Lynda's best friend Claire and friends and family, who have helped me through the most horrific experience of my life. Without them, I would not be here.
"No matter what sentence Higgins got, it would never be enough because one day he is going to be released but that will ever bring my Lynda back. Myself, Tyler and our family and friends will have to live the rest of our lives without Lynda and it is absolutely heartbreaking.
"She was cruelly taken away from us by the malicious and brutal actions of Shaun Higgins who ran her over and left her for dead at the top of our street. That car was her pride and joy, but he used it to take her away from us and the life we loved so much no longer exists.
"That is because of Shaun Higgins. All our family and friends feel nothing by anger and deepest pain because of one cold-hearted man.
"I would just like to say to Lynda: 'I love you my darling. I always have and always will. The last three and half years have been the best years of my life and no one will ever take your place. I will hold you forever in my soul. Rest in peace in until we meet again."
UPDATE: Police have also released a home video of Lynda Hankey which can be viewed [HERE].
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