A banned Penrith driver who killed a much-loved five-year-old boy in a crash tragedy after stopping to buy beer on the way home from work has been handed a six-year prison sentence.
Darren Jacques (42) was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday for causing the death of Layton Darwood by driving while disqualified in Newcastle in August, 2020. Jacques denied the charge but was convicted after a six-day trial.
Jurors heard sub-contractor Jacques’ employer had supplied him with a Ford Transit Tipper and trailer while he was halfway through a 42-month ban, imposed for drink-driving.
Jacques had travelled to Newcastle with colleagues to carry out utility work. Before returning home he stopped off in Fenham to buy a beer.
He got back into the vehicle but was unaware Layton had climbed on to the trailer. When Jacques pulled away, Layton fell and was seriously injured.
In the immediate aftermath, Jacques contacted his employer, who gave him the details of another man to supply to police.
While doctors and paramedics fought to save Layton’s life, Jacques lied about his identity and only came clean when officers from Northumbria police’s motor patrol department requested he use a mobile finger-print scanner.
A judge ruled Jacques, of Hutton Hill, Penrith, must also serve a six-year driving ban when released from custody.
Layton’s mother, Stephany Bloomer, told in a statement how the impact the tragedy “has had and will continue to have can never be measured or explained”. “Not only did you take my bright, funny and full-of-life Layton, you destroyed a family,” said said, addressing Jacques directly.
“There was no remorse that day, or even for the three years you have dragged this out, for not letting this family grieve and just adding more torment and pain.
“I could talk all day about my wonderful little boy but you don’t deserve to know about a boy you showed no remorse over.
“Nothing — and I mean nothing — can ever take away the trapped screams I hold in my heart, my throat, my stomach. The emptiness of life without Layton in it.
“This is now my life going forward, trying to heal the wounds unseen. So you see, no justice will be served in my eyes as I am left with a lifetime without him, and I’m the one who has to try and rebuild a family you broke.”
Sergeant Russell Surrey, of Northumbria police, said after the sentencing: “Jacques was brazen — not only did he drive while banned and lie to officers, but he refused to accept his guilt and put Layton’s family through the anguish of a trial. He has shown no remorse.
“We all have a responsibility to drive safely and in accordance with the law. Layton’s death is a stark reminder that a momentary lapse of concentration, or failure to carry out the most basic of checks has the potential to destroy many lives.”
