Full Breakdown
Man Sentenced for Killing Toddler After Watching TikTok While Driving
6/12/2026, 8:32:54 AM
Fatal Crash at Holdingham Roundabout
On the A17 near Sleaford, Hristo Iliev, 32, a Bulgarian national, collided with a stationary vehicle at the Holdingham roundabout while viewing TikTok videos on his phone. The impact propelled Chloe Baker’s car into another vehicle, leaving her 20-month-old son, Finley, unresponsive. Phone analysis showed Iliev watched at least six TikTok clips over seven minutes and unlocked the device twice in the moments before the crash.
Legal Outcome and Official Remarks
Iliev pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and to causing serious injury on 19 March 2025. Lincoln Crown Court sentenced him to 11 years and three months’ imprisonment and imposed a 10½-year driving ban. Judge Simon Hirst noted that Iliev’s denial of phone use was false and that his distraction prevented him from noticing the roundabout and the braking vehicle. Prosecutor Jeremy Janes described Iliev’s claim of safe distance as “simply not true.”
Individuals and Evidence
Iliev resides in Hide Close, Boston. The victims were Chloe Baker, a mother returning from an after-school club, her toddler Finley, and Baker’s child passenger who was unconscious for four minutes. Finley, described by his mother as “her beautiful baby boy,” was airlifted to hospital and placed on life support, which was withdrawn two days later. The seized phone provided the primary evidence of Iliev’s TikTok activity.
Timeline of Proceedings
Quantitative Details
Victims’ Statements and Community Impact
Finley’s mother, a teaching assistant, delivered an impact statement describing her loss and saying, “If only we had known his first birthday was the only one we would celebrate we would have filled it with bikes.” Father Daniel said, “It has altered us as people forever,” adding that they “don’t sleep for more than a few hours a night.” Their testimonies underscored the personal devastation caused by the crash.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You lied to the police when you denied using your phone.” — Judge Simon Hirst
- “However, Jeremy Janes, prosecuting, told the court: "That simply was not true.” — Jeremy Janes, prosecutor
- “If only we had known his first birthday was the only one we would celebrate we would have filled it with bikes,” — Finley’s mother, teaching assistant
- “It has altered us as people forever," he said.” — Daniel, Finley’s father
Future Enforcement
Iliev’s driving ban will remain in effect for ten and a half years, during which he is prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. Compliance will be monitored by the court and licensing authorities.
