Van Fall Victim Suffers Life-Changing Injuries, Family Says
March 3, 2025
A man seriously injured after falling from the back of a van while trying to stop his motorbike from being stolen is now “unable to engage with the world,” according to his family.
The 21-year-old victim, who remains in hospital following the July 2024 incident, suffered head and chest injuries. The incident occurred on The Promenade in Southport, after he fell from a moving Peugeot Boxer van.
Mason McLean, 20, of Liverpool, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to six years and eight months in custody for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.
His family described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
![Mason McLean was sentenced to more than six years in custody [Merseyside Police]](https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_bbc_articles_618/08b459fcc008dabacb3d13d6cc3b1b10)
In a victim impact statement, the family said, “His once bright and hopeful demeanour has been replaced by sadness, confusion and frustration.”
Two other men were also jailed in connection with the incident.
Dylan Tollitt, 24, of Toxteth, received four years and four months for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, as well as a separate charge of possession with intent to supply drugs.
Leroy Agatha, 23, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.
Det Ch Insp Nick Suffield, of Merseyside Police, described the incident as “shocking” and said it resulted in life-changing injuries for the victim.
![Leroy Agatha and Dylan Tollitt were jailed for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle [Merseyside Police]](https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_bbc_articles_618/f60952eaee15cec9f6948ff7e5c426f0)
Suffield explained, “The three defendants stole a motorbike and attempted to load it into the van but were unable to close the rear doors. The victim climbed aboard the van in an attempt to stop them but it was driven away in such a manner that it caused him to fall from the rear of the van, resulting in catastrophic injuries.”
The family’s statement, read to the court, said “time has stood still for us all.”
It continued, “This attack has left my son unable to engage with the world as he once did. It is heart-breaking to witness his struggle and know he cannot fully comprehend why this happened to him. Our family is overwhelmed with grief, anger and a sense of helplessness.”
