Van fall victim still 'unable to engage in world'

A man who was seriously injured after he fell from the back of a van while trying to stop his motorbike from being stolen has been left "unable to engage with the world as he once did", his family have said.

The now 21-year-old, who remains in hospital after the July 2024 attack, suffered head and chest injuries after falling from the moving Peugeot Boxer van on The Promenade in Southport.

Mason McLean, 20, of Liverpool, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to six years and eight months in custody for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

The victim's family said it was "heartbreaking" to witness his ongoing struggles.

In a victim impact statement, the family said: "His once bright and hopeful demeanour has been replaced by sadness, confusion and frustration."

Two other men have also been jailed in connection with the incident.

Dylan Tollitt, 24, of Toxteth, was jailed for four years and four months for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle and an unconnected charge of possession with intent to supply drugs.

Leroy Agatha, 23, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

Det Ch Insp Nick Suffield, of Merseyside Police, said the man was the victim of a "shocking incident" which had left him with life-changing injuries.

"The three defendants stole a motorbike and attempted to load it into the van but were unable to close the rear doors," he said.

"The victim climbed aboard the van in an attempt to stop them but it was driven away in such a manner that it caused him to fall from the rear of the van, resulting in catastrophic injuries."

The family statement, which was read to the court, said "time has stood still for us all".

It added: "This attack has left my son unable to engage with the world as he once did.

"It is heart-breaking to witness his struggle and know he cannot fully comprehend why this happened to him.

"Our family is overwhelmed with grief, anger and a sense of helplessness."

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