The 31-year-old made a brief appearance before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court this morning. Cartwright, wearing a black suit and black shirt, spoke only to confirm his age, name and address during the five-minute hearing. No pleas were entered and Cartwright, of Kettering, Northants, was released on bail to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on September 3.
A large number of Ryley’s family and friends – who wore matching T-shirts with smiley faces on them – sat in the public gallery for the hearing. After Cartwright was charged, Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, of Notts Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident which has had a devastating impact on Ryley’s family. “They have been updated about this important step in our investigation, and our thoughts remain with them.”
Ryley Hutson, 16, died when his e-bike was involved in a collision last September
Tributes left at the scene in Chilwell Lane in Bramcote, Nottingham, following Ryley’s death
An online fundraiser for donations towards Ryley’s funeral and a memorial has raised over £4,000.
Ryley’s aunt, who launched the page, described him on it as ‘full of life, laughter, and love – a cheeky soul who left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him’.
She added: “No parent should ever have to go through the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Our family is now facing this devastating loss and the unexpected financial cost that comes with it.
“We are raising funds to help cover the costs of his funeral and a memorial to honour his life — a life that ended far too soon but will never be forgotten.”