Hit-and-run driver jailed for killing boy, 12, after fleeing to Latvia

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 04:38 · Archive

Aleksanders Dolars, 23, has been jailed for nine years and four months for killing Keaton Slater, 12, in a hit-and-run crash in Coventry in June 2024 before fleeing to Latvia.

Aleksanders Dolars, 23, was jailed for nine years and four months at Warwick Crown Court on Friday for causing the death of Keaton Slater, 12, in a hit-and-run collision. Keaton was killed on Radford Road in Coventry on 14 June 2024, shortly after 4.30pm. He had just got off a bus and was crossing the road when he was struck.

Dolars was driving a BMW at speeds of 70-76mph in a 30mph zone. The court heard that as the car approached Keaton, he attempted to run out of its way but was unable to do so. The collision threw Keaton into two parked vehicles. Judge Kristina Montgomery KC said the force was 'likely killing him instantly'. Keaton, a devoted Coventry City fan, was walking home from school with friends.

Dolars did not stop or attempt to help. Instead, he sped away and abandoned his BMW more than six miles away on Frederick Road. He then fled to Latvia, his native country, within days. According to the BBC, he evaded capture for more than two years because there was no extradition treaty between Latvia and the UK post-Brexit.

Keaton's parents, Louise and Clint, campaigned determinedly for his return to face justice. Louise Slater sat outside Dolars' home trying to persuade his family to hand him in, only to learn they had already left. Dolars was finally extradited to the UK in August 2026 following a change in the law in July that year. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in September.

Judge Montgomery told Dolars that his 'grossly excessive speed made a collision with Keaton unavoidable' and that 'your selfish and dangerous driving took his life'. He was disqualified from driving for 16 years and must serve two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for release on licence. Keaton's family said the sentence was not long enough. Louise Slater told the court: 'No parent should ever have to write these words and speak about their child in past tense', describing him as 'funny, caring and full of life'.

How it is being reported

• Family's two-year fight to bring killer driver back from LatviaHow the parents of Keaton Slater, 12, battled to bring the man who killed him to justice.BBC News · 14 Nov, 00:35
• Driver who fled to Latvia after killing schoolboy jailedAleksanders Dolars is brought to justice after fleeing the UK when he hit Keaton Slater at 70mph.BBC News · 13 Nov, 17:32
• Driver who fled to Latvia after killing football-mad schoolboy in hit and run is finally jailed but his heartbroken parents say they will never recoverA hit-and-run driver who fled to Latvia after killing a 'happy, bubbly' boy walking home from school with his friends was today jailed for nearly 10 years.Daily Mail · 13 Nov, 16:33
• Hit-and-run driver who fled to Latvia after killing schoolboy in 75mph Coventry collision jailedAleksanders Dolars was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on FridayThe Independent · 13 Nov, 16:07
• Hit-and-run driver jailed after killing boy, 12, and hiding in Latvia for yearsDolars Aleksanders has been jailed after killing Keaton Slater, 12, in a hit-and-run crash before fleeing to LatviaThe Mirror · 13 Nov, 15:32

In this story: Aleksanders Dolars · Keaton Slater · Coventry · Latvia · Warwick Crown Court

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