In an utterly tragic incident, a heart-wrenching moment was captured on CCTV when a banned driver, Darren Jacques, 40 years old, purchased alcohol from a shop just moments before a devastating accident occurred.
This horrifying incident unfolded in Fenham, Newcastle, on August 24, 2020, forever changing the lives of those involved.
A Fateful Visit to the Shop
On that fateful day, Layton Darwood, a five-year-old boy, was in the company of three other children.
The group had ventured to a nearby shop to purchase sweets and supplies for a picnic.
The eldest among them had a bank card, making the trip even more exciting for the children.
CCTV footage revealed Jacques parking his Ford Transit Tipper on a kerb and rushing into the shop to purchase a bottle of alcohol.
As he exited the store, he jogged past Layton and the other children on his way back to his van.
The Tragic Turn of Events
While Jacques’ van was stationary, Layton climbed onto the trailer attached to it.
Tragedy struck when Jacques began to move the vehicle, and Layton fell to the ground.
The wheels of the trailer rolled over him, causing fatal injuries.
The trial heard that Layton may have become entangled in his shoelaces before falling under the wheels, further deepening the sense of tragedy.
Guilty Verdict: Justice Served
Jacques, hailing from Hutton Hill, Penrith, Cumbria, had been standing trial at Newcastle Crown Court on charges of causing death by driving while disqualified.
After careful deliberation, a jury of 12 individuals found Jacques guilty of this grave charge, marking a significant development in the case.
Reckless Actions and Consequences
Jacques had been working in Fenham that day and, upon finishing his shift, visited the local shop.
He had initially parked the van in a manner described as “mounting the pavement,” and it was towing a trailer with a small digger on the back.
The evidence presented during the trial, notably from Sergeant Alan Keenleyside, a Forensic Collision Investigator for Northumbria Police, pointed to Jacques’s awareness of the presence of the children and the need for greater caution while moving the vehicle.
A Grieving Mother’s Statement
The aftermath of this tragedy left Layton’s family shattered.
A statement issued by Layton’s mother, Stephany, on behalf of the family, expressed their devastation and deep sorrow at their loss.
Stephany emphasized the long and challenging journey they had undertaken to see justice served for Layton, acknowledging the unwavering support of both her mother and Northumbria Police.
Justice Served and a Long Road Ahead
Speaking after the trial, Sergeant Russell Surrey, the officer in charge of the case, commended the family’s strength and resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
He underscored the importance of the guilty verdict and the hope that it would be a step toward closure for the grieving family.
Judge Adams, presiding over the case, informed Jacques that he should anticipate an immediate custodial sentence and ordered a pre-sentence report.
Jacques was granted bail until his next court appearance, with a provisional sentence date set for Monday, December 4.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless actions, particularly when it comes to driving while disqualified.
The grief experienced by Layton’s family, along with the legal proceedings and eventual verdict, highlights the importance of accountability in such tragic cases.
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