Tragedy Strikes as Disqualified Driver’s Actions Lead to Child’s Death
In a heartbreaking incident that shook the community, a disqualified driver’s reckless behavior resulted in the tragic death of a five-year-old boy. The driver, Darren Jacques, 40, was found guilty of causing the death of Layton Darwood in Fenham, Newcastle, on August 24, 2020.
Layton was with three other children who had gone to a local shop to buy sweets and supplies for a picnic. They were using a bank card given to the eldest child in the group. Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment when Jacques parked his Ford Transit Tipper on the sidewalk and entered a shop to purchase alcohol. After leaving the shop, he passed Layton and the other children while returning to his van.
While Jacques’ van was stationary, Layton climbed onto the trailer attached to the van. Tragedy struck as Jacques began to move the vehicle, causing Layton to fall to the ground and be fatally injured by the trailer’s wheels. The trial revealed Layton might have gotten his shoelaces caught before the accident occurred.
Jacques, from Penrith, Cumbria, was charged with causing death by driving while disqualified. He faced trial at Newcastle Crown Court and was found guilty by a jury on Monday.
During the trial, Sergeant Alan Keenleyside, a Forensic Collision Investigator for Northumbria Police, testified that Jacques should have exercised “greater care” knowing the children were nearby. When the police arrived at the scene, Jacques provided false information about his identity, which he later admitted was due to panic.
Despite emergency efforts to save Layton’s life, he was pronounced dead in the hospital later that day. A post-mortem examination revealed that the force of the trailer’s wheels caused his fatal injuries.
In a statement issued by Layton’s mother, Stephany, on behalf of the family, she expressed their devastation and the pain of losing Layton. While some sense of justice was served, the family remains deeply affected by the tragedy.
Following the guilty verdict, Sergeant Russell Surrey of Northumbria Police highlighted the strength and resilience displayed by Layton’s family throughout the investigation and court proceedings. He emphasized the need for closure and praised the jury for seeing through Jacques’ excuses and lies.
Judge Adams announced that Jacques would be sentenced at a later date and ordered a pre-sentence report. Jacques was informed that he should anticipate an immediate custodial sentence. He was granted bail until his next court appearance, with a provisional sentencing date set for December 4.
The entire incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless actions and the importance of responsible driving.