The mother of a five-year-old boy who died in a road tragedy today (Monday September 4) spoke of the “bitter-sweet” feeling following the conviction of the banned driver responsible.

Her comments were made after a trial jury’s unanimous guilty verdict on defendant Darren Jacques who had denied causing the death of Layton Harwood by driving while disqualified.

During a five-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court the jury heard distressing details of the police investigation as well as a witness testimony from another child who was at the scene of the tragedy in Fenham, Newcastle, in August, 2020 

The court also heard how Jacques, who turned 42 during the hearing, had been provided a Ford Transit Tipper and trailer by his employer, despite being halfway through a 42-month ban imposed after he was convicted of drink driving.

Read more: Banned driver convicted of causing death of boy, five, in Newcastle

Jacques, a subcontractor from Cumbria, travelled to Newcastle with a number of colleagues to carry out utility work in Fenham.

It was moments before he was to have made the return journey to Cumbria before the collision on August 25.

He stopped on Willow Avenue, bought a bottle of beer from the shop and began driving, seemingly unaware Layton, who had been in the shop at the same time, had climbed onto the trailer, before getting caught and falling from the vehicle. 

Witnesses recounted the desperate attempts made to save Layton’s life and administer CPR before paramedics arrived.

Telecoms data later recovered by police revealed contact between Jacques and his employer in the moments following the devastating collision where revealed he had been given details of another man to supply to police.  

Jacques continued to lie about his identity for around two hours while doctors and paramedics attempted to save Layton’s life nearby. 

But it was only when officers from Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols department requested he used a mobile finger-print scanner, that he confessed his true identify.  

Jacques was then arrested, taken into custody and an investigation was launched.

Later that night, however, Layton died in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Jacques, of Hutton Hill, Penrith, was subsequently charged with causing Layton’s death by driving while disqualified.

Read more: Layton Darwood death: Penrith man in court over Newcastle crash

Following today’s conviction, he was bailed to return to court to be sentenced on December 4, following the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the Probation Service.

But he was warned by Judge Robert Adams to expect to receive a custodial sentence.

Following the hearing, Layton’s mother, Stephany, issued a statement on behalf of the family.

The Northern Echo:

It read: “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 PC Greg Huntley have well outweighed all the words ever spoken.”

Speaking after the trial, the officer in charge of the case, Sgt Surrey, of Northumbria Police, said: “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.

The Northern Echo: Darren Jacques, 42, was banned from the road when he drove tipper truck in fatal accident, in

“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.

“Not only that, but instead of admitting what he did, Jacques supplied attending officers with the details of another person in an attempt to cover his tracks, but our road-side checks caught him in the act.

“He had plenty of opportunities to admit what he did, but instead has refused to accept his actions, repeatedly denying what he did and putting Layton’s family through the anguish of a trial.

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“Jacques’ behaviour was completely unacceptable, and I hope he can now reflect on the severity of his actions.

“This case has had a profound impact on everyone involved, including the officers and staff who have helped bring Jacques to justice, and it goes without saying that no one, especially a young child, should ever lose their life on our roads.

“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.”