VAN HORROR
Shocking moment banned driver buys booze seconds before boy, 5, was crushed to death under his van
THIS is the shocking moment a disqualified driver buys booze just moments before a five-year-old boy was crushed to death under the wheels of his van.
Banned motorist Darren Jacques, 40, has now been found guilty of causing the death of Layton Darwood in Fenham, Newcastle, on August 24, 2020.
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The youngster was with three other kids who had gone to a local shop to buy sweets and supplies for a picnic after the eldest in the group was given a bank card.
CCTV footage has revealed how Jacques parked his Ford Transit Tipper on the kerb before nipping into a shop to buy a bottle of alcohol.
He is then seen exiting the shop and jogging past Layton and the other children as he returned to his van.
While Jacques’ van was stationary, Layton climbed up on the trailer.
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As Jacques started to move off, the young lad fell to the ground and the wheels of the trailer rolled over him, causing his fatal injuries.
The trial heard Layton may have got his shoelaces caught before toppling under the wheels.
Jacques, from Penrith, Cumbria, had been charged with causing death by driving whilst disqualified and was on trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
He was found guilty by a jury on Monday.
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Jacques was working in Fenham that day and had finished his shift when he went into the local shop.
Sergeant Alan Keenleyside, a Forensic Collision Investigator for Northumbria Police told the court, in his opinion Jacques was aware the kids were there and that he should have taken “greater care” when moving away.
When the cops arrived, Jacques gave a false name and details about his date of birth and address.
He later admitted his real name, claiming he had “panicked”.
Emergency efforts were made to try and save the young boy’s life, but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead in hospital later that day.
A post-mortem carried out on his body discovered that the force of the wheels going over Layton would give an account for his injuries.
A statement issued by Layton's mum, Stephany, on behalf of the family said: “We are devastated by what happened and miss Layton beyond words.
“He was a loving, happy little boy with his whole life ahead of him and our worst nightmare came true the day we lost him.
“Although some sort of justice has been served today it's a very bitter sweet situation.
“It has taken a long, hard three years with many set-backs and challenges along the way.
“If it had not been for the determination of my mam and Northumbria Police we would not be here today, seeing justice be served for Layton.
“A common saying among police is deeds not words and in this case the deeds of Sergeant Ray Lowery, Sergeant Russ Surrey and Sergeant William Huntley have well outweighed all the words ever spoken.”
Sergeant Russell Surrey, who was in charge of the case for Northumbria Police, said after the trial: “To say this case has been devastating would be a complete understatement as losing Layton has caused this family unimaginable pain and suffering no one should ever have to go through.
“I would like to praise the strength and resilience they have shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
“I really hope today can act as that first step towards the closure they deserve and help them move forward from this awful, tragic incident.
“I am pleased the jury saw through the excuses and lies told by Darren Jacques.
“Despite being banned from the roads he was brazenly driving in a work capacity and was even in charge of a large, heavy-duty vehicle which he wasn't trained or qualified to operate.”
Following the guilty verdict, Judge Adams told Jacques he would be sentenced at later date and ordered a pre-sentence report to be compiled.
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Jacques was told to expect an immediate custodial sentence and bailed him until his next court appearance.
A provisional date for sentencing was given as December 4.
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