Mum pays tribute to "kind and considerate" son Ryan Durkin (15)

THE mother of teenage hit and run victim who died in hospital after being struck by a stolen vehicle has paid tribute to her "kind and considerate young man" who was the "baby of the family".
Ryan Durkin.Ryan Durkin.
Ryan Durkin.

Diane Durkin said her family was now "broken" and there was "a piece missing" after the death of her youngest son (below).

Ms Durkin said: “Ryan was the quietest member of our family. He would lie on the settee with his headphones in listening to his music, but he was taking everything in around him - he didn’t miss a trick.

“When his brothers argued, which happens quite often, he would just watch. He never said a word, but then a smile would appear. I think he actually enjoyed watching them argue."

She said Ryan enjoyed playing on his XBox, especially Fifa, and loved watching his beloved Sheffield United as well as playing for Phoenix Youth under-15s.

"But the thing he loved most was being with his girlfriend Ellie and his friends," Ms Durkin added.

"He had an absolutely amazing group of friends - too many to name. I look at the last text messages he sent me and smile. They are all about money, alcohol and the time he has to come in.

“Ryan has three older brothers so he was the baby in our family and usually got what he wanted. Our house seems empty now, too quiet. Our family is broken and always will be. There is a piece missing. We will never totally mend. 

“I will always remember Ryan for his lovely smile and the kind and considerate young man he had become. Ryan will always be the most beautiful flower in the garden.”

Mitchell Hughes (24), of Lapwater Road, Wingfield, will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday charged with causing a serious injury through dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road traffic collision in connection with the incident.

Hughes has also been charged with aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and section 18 wounding, alleged to have taken place on Friday, April 12, when the BMW was stolen from a house in Penistone.

No pleas have yet been entered to the charges and Hughes has been remanded in custody.

The collision happened at 11pm on April 19 and police are appealing for anyone with further information to call them on 101 quoting incident number 1099 of that date. Or pass information to Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.

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