A speeding driver who was five times the drug drive limit when he ploughed into a bus stop causing the death of a teenager in a hit-and-run crash has been jailed.
Shortly after 4pm on Sunday, October 15, last year, police received a report of a collision on West Denton Way, in West Denton.
A grey BMW car had collided with a bus stop, at which a number of people were stood.
Emergency services attended the scene and despite the efforts of paramedics, 19-year-old Joe Scott – of Blakelaw in Newcastle – who had sustained fatal injuries was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Joe’s family continue to be supported by specially-trained Family Liaison Officers.
Two women who were also stood at the bus stop and were injured in the collision were taken to hospital.
One of the women sustained serious injuries while the other sustained non-serious injuries. Both were later discharged from hospital.
Two of those arrested were later told they would face no further action, but the other, Steven Wallace, 22, who was identified as the driver of the BMW, was charged with death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road accident, driving while above the legal limit for drugs and driving with no insurance.
The investigation found that Wallace was five times the drug-drive limit at the time the vehicle struck the bus stop and also that at the time of the collision, the BMW was travelling at no less than 49mph. The legal limit for the road is 30mph.
Wallace, of Lonnen Avenue, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to all of the offences against him in a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court in July, after which he was remanded in custody.
Today (Friday), Wallace was back before the same court where a judge sentenced him to seven years and eight in prison.
Following the hearing, Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “First and foremost, we would like to pay tribute to Joe’s family and loved ones.
“The last year has understandably been incredibly difficult for them and we will continue to support them in any way we can.”
Sgt Bartle added: “Steven Wallace’s actions on October 15, 2023, were utterly deplorable. He was driving the vehicle in a hugely reckless manner when he lost control and it ploughed into the bus stop at which Joe and the other people injured were standing.
“Not only that, Wallace then fled the scene instead of raising the alarm as he should have done.
See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
- Spree of six attempted burglaries were committed in one Durham street
- Men were seen trying car door handles in Easington Colliery in early hours of morning
- Man jailed after trying car doors on Darlington street
Flash Sale Alert! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that shape County Durham with The Northern Echo Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80% fewer ads on our site. Subscribe now for a faster news experience. #StayInformed, by clicking here
“Thankfully, our diligent officers worked quickly to identify that he was the driver and get him arrested, charged and before court. He now has time behind bars to reflect on his actions, which have devastated several lives.
“I sincerely hope this sad and harrowing case sends a reminder to all motorists and road users across the North East and beyond. Our roads are not race tracks and the law is not optional – speed limits are ultimately there to save lives.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here