Video: Family of Chadwell Heath hit-and-run victim appeal to find killer
Sharon Ritchie appeals for witnesses to come forward on her husband hit-and-run accident - Credit: Archant
The family of a hit-and-run victim killed walking to work have made a fresh appeal for information as the struggle for justice continues.
Sharon Ritchie appeals for witnesses to come forward on her husband hit-and-run accident - Credit: Archant
Christopher Ritchie, 52, a dad-of three, of Heath Road, Chadwell Heath, was run over on the pavement in Forest Drive, close to Manor Park station, in November 2013.
A 38-year-old man was arrested and bailed near the time – but the Post understands another man was released by police last month.
Wife Sharon Ritchie described the destruction that has been caused to her children, Ryan, Rebecca and nine-year-old James.
“Last year was the worst of my life,” she told the Post.
Hit and run victim Christopher Ritchie - Credit: Archant
“It was our 25th wedding anniversary, Ryan’s 21st and Rebecca’s 16th birthdays – it was just awful without him.
“I just can’t believe nobody’s been caught – it’s very hard to believe nobody knows anything.
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“They don’t realise what they’ve done – everything’s destroyed.”
Sharon’s sister Patricia Moses, 44, of Haywards Close, admits the family are still struggling to cope.
“I’m a nervous wreck,” she said. “I don’t go near roads anymore, I just start panicking.
“We’re a very close family and we’re all hurting for each other.
“This scumbag has taken a good man from his kids. I don’t think we’ll ever come to terms with it.”
Currently there is no specific charge for killing someone in a hit-and-run, but death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of 14 years – something Patricia believe needs changing.
“Fourteen years should be the minimum,” she added. “What’s the difference between killing someone with a car or a gun?”
On the day he was killed, ‘Chrissie’ had been due to donate platelets to his 12-year-old nephew Nevan McGing.
Tragically Nevan lost his leukaemia battle in October last year.
Older sister to Sharon, and grandmother to Nevan, Sabrina McGing, 53, of Meads Lane, Seven Kings, described the trauma.
“It’s just too much for one family to take,” she said. “To lose two people in a year is just so tragic.”
