A 77-year-old man who ran over and killed a 10-year-old boy in Retford has been given a 16-month suspended sentence.

Seth Bartle, who went to Carr Hill Primary School, lost his life after he was involved in a crash in Tiln Lane on Monday, January 15.

His death six days later in hospital rocked the town and left the local community in shock.

Edwin Vickers, who was driving the vehicle that hit Seth, previously pleaded guilty to causing the death of the schoolboy.

On the day of the collision, Vickers had been driving a recently delivered hire car and readily admitted that he wasn't familiar with all the controls.

Vickers has now been banned from driving for three years and given a 16-month suspended prison sentence after appearing at Nottingham Crown Court today, Friday, September 28.

Detective Constable Steve Willetts, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "This has been an extremely tragic case for everyone involved.

"Vickers was unable to control the vehicle as he was unfamiliar with the controls.

"Seth's death has been incredibly distressing for his family, fellow students, parents and teachers and also for those who witnessed the collision and tried to rescue Seth.

"We ask that people regularly question whether they are fit enough to drive and that they think twice before getting behind the wheel.

"Friends and family have a role to play in that too, and may this incident, as devastating as it has been, serve as a reminder to all."

Seth's death has inspired a number of charity and fundraising events in recent months, with his untimely death still felt by his friends and family in the town.

Vanessa Smith, parent link teacher at Carr Hill Primary School, previously told the Retford Times: “Understandably the following months have been an extremely sad and traumatic time for the family, pupils, staff and wider community.

“Indeed many children and parents are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.”