Wolverhampton hit-and-run accused found guilty of causing the death of Ryan Griffiths by dangerous driving

Mr Griffiths, who was 29, was on Burleigh Road on August 21, 2024, when he was hit by a dark coloured VW Golf at around 9pm, with the vehicle not remaining at the scene.

He was taken to hospital, but due to the extent of injuries, died two days later.

Officers from West Midlands Police had carried out immediate enquiries, and their investigation led them to believe Aden Wright, the registered keeper of the vehicle, was driving the Golf at the time.

Following thorough investigative work, the car was recovered, and forensically examined, while a manhunt was launched for Wright, who was arrested within a week.

West Midlands Police said the investigation found Wright was linked to purchasing drugs, which is why he was in the area that night. 

Detectives found he tried to use other people within the vehicle to buy the drugs on his behalf using fraudulent money, and when the money was found to be fake by someone else at the scene, Wright drove away at speed.

He collided with Mr Griffiths, and then stopped to collect a passenger, then, despite seeing Ryan Griffiths laying motionless in the road, he left the scene. 

The force said what followed was a series of calculated actions to try and get away with his crime, with Wright enlisting the help of others to take the vehicle off the road the following day, change the ownership into someone else's name, and then try to get family members to help frame that person as the driver. 

Despite strong evidence proving he was the driver at the time, West Midlands Police said Wright had insisted that it was the other person who was behind the wheel. 

Wright, of Griffiths Drive, was originally charged with murder, but however, following deliberations by the Crown Prosecution Service, this charge was reduced to death by dangerous driving and on Friday, October 31, the 27-year-old was found guilty of that following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Jeanette Roberts, said: “Securing justice for Ryan and his family has been at the forefront of all of our minds throughout this investigation. 

“Wright’s callous actions that night, including failing to stop at the scene or admit to what he did, have put them through unimaginable pain.

“A thorough investigation meant that he was brought to justice, and it is right that he is now facing prison."

Ryan’s family have been supported by specialist officers throughout this tragic time, and paid tribute to him following his death, saying:

“Ryan was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin.

“He had a heart of gold and a lot of loving friends.

“Everyone is devastated by his sad loss and he will be sadly missed.”

Wright  had been due to be sentenced on Friday at Birmingham Crown Court, but the hearing was postponed to a date to be fixed.