THE family of a teenager killed in a stolen car crash today said he had paid the ultimate price for getting into trouble.
Daniel Harding, 17, died at 5am after suffering serious head injuries in the smash yesterday evening.
The teenager from Kirkby was a back-seat passenger in a blue Mini that had been stolen on Monday.
Police said it had sped off after failing to stop when spotted by officers in Maghull and crashed with another vehicle and a wall.
The driver and the front-seat passenger fled the scene and are being hunted by police.
Today Daniel’s devastated father Joe said: “I would say to them ‘face up to what you have done’.
“You’ve run away from the scene not caring about what had happened to other people, people who were injured. You have to live with what you have done. Daniel has paid the ultimate price.
“I know he had the choice about being in that car so I hope this will be a warning to other young people who think about getting involved in trouble like this. Think twice and don’t do it.”
Merseyside police say they tried to stop the Mini near Foxhouse Lane after it was indicated as stolen on their database. But the driver sped off, crashing a short distance away.
A woman, 51, driving a Hyundai, suffered minor injuries and another 17-year-old in the Mini was also hurt.
Mr Harding, who lives with his wife Julie and Daniel’s older brother and sister in Northwood, said that the family had taken some comfort by donating his organs for transplant.
He admitted that his son, a former Ruffwood school pupil was “no angel” and had been tagged after a court appearance earlier in the day and was subject to an 8pm curfew.
He said: “When we first got to hospital we thought he only had a broken pelvis. Then doctors discovered how serious his head injuries were and told us there was nothing they could do.
“We cannot pretend he hadn’t had run-ins with the police and I don’t know what he had been doing earlier. All he was looking forward to was being 18. But no family should have to go through this.
“By donating his organs Daniel may have been able to do some good.
“We really would like to thank the police and the doctors for everything they have done.”
Merseyside police have referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission for investigation.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision. Call 0151 777 5771.
THE ECHO 
