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A man who was "sick and tired" of children playing on his driveway killed his neighbour's five-year-old son by running him over.

David Cowell, 42, was described as "arrogant" by a judge after being convicted of causing Riley Ferguson's death.

Jurors heard how he had complained to Riley's parents the night before that kids were on his side of the shared driveway.

Riley's parents wept in court as the guilty verdict was read out.

Judge Francis Sheridan said: "This young boy lost his life because the defendant was fed up with the young kids playing on the driveway.

(Image: Robert Stainforth/Wikipedia)

"Had he been looking forwards, he would have seen this little boy.

"It was arrogant and unnecessary driving and, as a result, the Ferguson's have lost their only son.

"He should never have lost his life. To drive over his head is just horrendous."

In June, Cowell asked Riley's parents to stop children playing on his driveway because he was "concerned for their welfare."

The court heard he returned home in his car the following day and was distracted by a child on the other side of the driveway.

He did not see Riley and ploughed into him at around 3 or 4mph, only stopping when he felt a "bump".

Cowell, of Milton Keynes, Bucks., was convicted of causing death by careless driving at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday.

Judge Sheridan said he could not sentence Cowell immediately because his defence barrister had injured his Achilles Tendon.

He will return to the same court later in coming weeks.

Riley's parents declined to comment and said they would pay tribute to their son after the sentencing hearing.

Speaking after the trial, Inspector Graeme Hughes, of Thames Valley Police, said: "This has been a tragic case which just goes to highlight how important it is that you concentrate no matter how slowly you are driving.

"The consequences of failing to do so can have a massive impact on the lives of everyone involved."