Northumberland man jailed for road rage manslaughter

Police were contacted by concerned medical staff at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, on August 23, last year.

They were caring for an injured man who was described as having suffered catastrophic brain injuries.

He was identified as 39-year-old Andrew Peart, whose condition, despite continued efforts of medical staff, deteriorated over the following days, and his death was confirmed a week later.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

An investigation was launched by officers from the Northumbria force’s Major Investigation Team, who believed Mr Peart's injuries were sustained as a result of an assault.

Subsequent inquiries revealed that earlier on the evening of August 23, Mr Peart had a verbal altercation with the driver of a silver Mitsubishi Shogun, on The Square, in Guide Post, Northumberland.

It was discovered the man at the wheel of the vehicle, who was later identified as now 29-year-old Jake McIntyre, had been driving on The Square and had to slow down as Mr Peart crossed the road.

McIntyre drove away after the argument before returning and catching up with Mr Peart, near to Guide Post Working Men’s Club, where got out of the vehicle and struck the victim with a metal tyre lever he had in his car.

He then punched Mr Peart, leaving him on the ground as he left the scene.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

The defendant was arrested two days later having changed cars and fled to the Cumbria area.

He was initially charged with assault and later with murder after the discovery of a voice recording made on his mobile phone in which he admitted his involvement in the incident.

Following a two-and-a-half-week-long trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in May, McIntyre, of Stakeford Crescent, Ashington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.

He was back before the same court today (Monday, July 29), where the Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan, imposed the 14-year sentence, for what he described as, “a vicious and cowardly attack.”

The judge said there was a premeditated element, albeit over a short period after the initial confrontation.

Following today’s sentencing hearing, Mr Peart’s family paid tribute to the, “loving family man”, a “devoted father, brother, son, and friend", who worked in a job he loved, as a senior design technician.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

Speaking after the hearing, the senior investigating officer in the case for Northumbria Police, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, said: “Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family as they come to terms with the senseless and tragic way in which he lost his life.

“This one incident has left one man’s life tragically cut short and another man jailed for a significant amount of time.

“This has left the families of both men having to pick up the pieces and for no reason other than this display of unnecessary and avoidable aggression.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling violent crime in all its forms and we will continue to play our part, alongside our partners, to protect communities and take swift action against those found to be involved.

“The sentencing today is a sobering reminder of the consequences of unnecessary violence.

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“McIntyre drove away from the scene, and had time to calm down.

"But, he made the decision to return, a decision which had life-altering consequences for the two men involved.”

The senior detective added: “His actions have caused so much pain and I hope McIntyre’s sentencing today can help offer some form of closure to the family, and to the wider tight-knit community of Guide Post.”