A night that began with socializing and excitement ended in heartbreak when a barmaid’s decision to drive after drinking led to a fatal accident.
The tragic incident, which claimed the life of 22-year-old Truman Hub, unfolded in North Tyneside in the early hours of November 20, 2022.
A Night of Drinks and Poor Decisions
Karla Dodds, 25, had spent the evening working as a barmaid before heading out for drinks in Whitley Bay.
After spending time at the Havana nightclub, Dodds offered to drive a group of friends to a house party in Shiremoor.
Despite having consumed alcohol, she assured her passengers she was fit to drive.
Her Hyundai i10, designed for five people, was dangerously overloaded with seven passengers.
Four people were squeezed into the back seats, one person reluctantly climbed into the car’s boot, and Truman Hub sat by a rear window.
The Fatal Crash
As Dodds drove towards a roundabout on the A191, Truman reportedly leaned his head out of the rear passenger window.
Moments later, Dodds lost control, and her car struck a lamppost before overturning.
Truman, still hanging out of the window, sustained fatal injuries.
Witnesses recalled that Dodds was driving too fast, though not excessively so.
Prosecutors argued that her intoxication, combined with the overloaded vehicle and the chaotic conditions inside, contributed to the tragic outcome.
Legal Proceedings and Conflicting Testimonies
Dodds admitted to causing Truman’s death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit but denied the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Prosecutors claimed that Dodds was aware her car was overloaded and should have known one of her passengers was hanging out of the window.
Passengers described chaotic scenes in the car, with loud music and warnings that Dodds had too many people onboard.
One passenger claimed to have asked her to slow down and turn the music down, but Dodds reportedly ignored him.
Aftermath and Emotional Testimonies
Following the crash, Dodds allegedly fled the scene with a friend.
Some passengers tried to perform CPR on Truman, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Dodds later claimed she was unaware of Truman’s condition when she left, explaining she was in shock.
In her police interview, Dodds admitted her decision to carry seven passengers was irresponsible and expressed her regret.
Ongoing Trial
The trial continues as jurors weigh the evidence.
Prosecutors argue that Dodds’ reckless behavior and impaired judgment played a significant role in the tragic incident.
The case remains under review as the court seeks to determine the full extent of Dodds’ responsibility.