Tragic Incident: Boy's Death After Shoelaces Caught in Van Wheels

A heart-wrenching incident unfolded as a young boy lost his life after getting entangled in the wheels of a van due to his shoelaces, the court revealed.

The five-year-old, Layton Darwood, met with a tragic fate when he was accidentally dragged beneath the trailer of a Ford Transit Tipper in Fenham, Newcastle.

Layton was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition after the horrifying incident took place in August 2020. Despite efforts to save him, the young boy unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

The driver of the van, Darren Jacques, has faced charges related to the tragic incident that led to Layton's death. Although Jacques was disqualified from driving at the time, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently undergoing trial proceedings.

During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, it was revealed that Layton, along with three other children, had gone to a shop to purchase snacks and food for a picnic. Simultaneously, Jacques had parked his work van on the curb outside the shop and was inside making a purchase of alcohol.

In a recorded statement, the oldest child who was accompanying Layton – their identity protected by legal constraints – shared that Layton had run ahead and began climbing onto the trailer of the van.

The child recounted, "While I was in the shop, I attempted to pay using a card, but my payment was declined, so we were on our way to another store. Layton dashed off and headed towards the trailer of the truck. He began climbing onto it."

The situation took a devastating turn as the trailer started moving. The child tried to help Layton by pulling him away, but Layton's shoelaces got caught, and he was pulled beneath the vehicle's wheel.

"I rushed to remove Layton from the situation, but he became trapped, likely due to his shoelaces, and was dragged under the van's wheel. I quickly informed the person in the van, who promptly called for an ambulance," the child recounted.

According to the child's testimony, Jacques was audibly distressed and repeatedly expressed remorse, saying, "Oh s*" and "I'm so sorry," upon learning that Layton was trapped beneath the vehicle.

Layton sustained facial scrapes and was aided by a passerby before being swiftly transported to the hospital, the court was informed.

The child further disclosed their astonishment at Layton's behavior, noting that climbing onto the trailer was uncharacteristic of him.

The trial is ongoing, seeking to shed light on the tragic incident and its circumstances.