The family of 12-year-old Keaton Slater, who died in a hit-and-run collision in Coventry in June 2024, is calling for his killer to be present in court when he receives his sentence. According to BBC News, Dolars Aleksanders has admitted causing death by dangerous driving and faces sentencing on 13 November at Warwick Crown Court. The family has expressed concern that Aleksanders may not attend the hearing, despite current law preventing him from being compelled to do so.
Aleksanders, a 23-year-old Latvian national, struck Keaton with his black BMW 330 on Radford Road while travelling at 70mph in a 30mph zone. He pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court on 3 September 2026 and was remanded in custody. The incident occurred on 14 June 2024, but Aleksanders fled to Latvia, where he evaded capture for two years before being extradited to the United Kingdom in August 2026.
Keaton's mother, Louise, expressed her frustration at the prospect of her son's killer avoiding the courtroom.
He was our ray of sunshine. The house was always so loud. He had this contagious laugh and he'd make you laugh with him. And now it's so quiet in the house. It's too quiet for me. I have to put the radio on for background noise. I still feel like he's going to walk through the door.
Louise said the two-year wait for justice has felt like yesterday. She emphasised her desire to deliver her victim impact statement directly to Aleksanders in court, viewing it as essential to bringing closure to her family's ordeal.
To not be in court. I want to read my impact statement out to him because that, to me, will finalise it off. I thought, you've put us through enough.
The emotional toll on the family
Keaton's father, Clint, described the extended wait for justice as devastating.
It's been a living hell. Because we didn't get justice straight away, it's surreal, isn't it? It felt like nothing was happening. But behind the scenes, it's amazing that they've actually managed to do it. I take my hat off to the police. It's brilliant.
Despite acknowledging the police's efforts in securing Aleksanders' extradition from Latvia, Clint questioned why the defendant should be permitted to avoid court attendance.
We've managed to get him back from Latvia, why can't he be in court? He shouldn't have that choice, especially because he's pleaded guilty. They should be made to go to court, but you can't be forced.
Current legal limitations and upcoming changes
Under existing law, prisoners cannot be compelled to attend their own sentencing hearings. However, the government has recently reformed the law to allow offenders to be compelled to attend such proceedings, though these measures are not expected to take effect until next year. At the plea hearing, the court was told Aleksanders intended to apply in writing to attend sentencing by videolink, with prosecutors indicating that footage would be played and victim personal statements read.
Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi has written to the justice minister on behalf of the family, arguing that the current situation represents an injustice.
I believe this is an injustice that the family shouldn't have to face. He absconded knowing that he had destroyed a family, had impacted the family. The least he could allow the family is to look at them in the face, to listen to the impact he has had and for him to get the courtesy to listen to them.
Former justice secretary Robert Buckland emphasised the importance of accountability and victim participation in sentencing. He stated that it was crucial for victims and survivors to see defendants
face up to the consequences of their appalling behaviourand noted that while the law change was welcome, it had not come in time for this case.
I think this case, whether you're a parent or not, would have an impact on you. It's good the law is changing, but it's unfortunate it hasn't kept pace with this case. It's important to get the balance right and ensure the defendant doesn't use this new provision to try and make it all about themselves.
What happens next
Judge Matthew Walsh indicated at the plea hearing that the sentence would be "a very long one", with Her Honour Judge Kristina Montgomery KC to determine the final sentence. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 13 November 2026 at Warwick Crown Court. A £10,000 Crimestoppers reward was offered for information that led to Aleksanders' arrest, reflecting the significant effort required to locate him across international borders.
