Driver runs past boy, 5, before crushing him under his van in chilling CCTV
This is the moment a banned driver jogged past a five-year-old boy just minutes before he fell under the wheels of his van and tragically died.
Darren Jacques was convicted of causing the death of Layton Darwood in Fenham, Newcastle on August 24, 2020. The 40-year-old, who was disqualified from driving at the time, had been behind the wheel of the work van, which was towing a trailer with a small digger on the back.
Layton and three other children had gone into a nearby shop to get some sweets and picnic supplies, after the eldest in the group was given a bank card. Meanwhile, Jacques had parked his van on a kerb outside the same shop, and went in to buy a bottle of alcohol.
CCTV footage shows Jacques leaving the shop and jogging past Layton on his way back to his vehicle. But while the van was stationary, Layton had climbed onto the trailer. As Jacques began to slowly pull away, he fell and became trapped underneath the wheels.
CCTV footage shows Darren Jacques going into a shop shortly before the incident (Northumbria Police)He tragically died later that day after sustaining torso injuries. The court heard that Layton may have tripped due to his shoelaces getting caught before falling under the van.
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Jacques stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court, charged with causing death by driving while disqualified. Yesterday, a jury of 12 people found him guilty. Following the verdict, Northumbria Police released bodycam footage of the moment that Jacques was arrested.
In the video, he says: "I got in the van, I pulled out, I seen the two kids beside the van. They were nowhere near here. As I went to pull off, I checked my mirrors and saw the two kids at the side, so I thought they were clear. And then I seen a little girl, and that's when I stopped again. I got out."
Layton Darwood, aged five, tragically died during the incident in August 2020 (Northumbria Police)
Darren Jacques, 40, was convicted of causing death by driving while disqualified (Northumbria Police)In another clip, Jacques can be seen giving his correct name and date of birth, after initially providing officers with a false name and personal details. He can then bee seen putting his head in his hands as he is told he is under arrest, before telling an officer: "Sorry, I didn't mean to give you the run around, I panicked, that's all."
Following the trial, the officer in charge of the case, Sergeant Russell 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. 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.
Northumbria Police released bodycam footage of the moment that Jacques was arrested (Northumbria Police)"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. Jacques’ behaviour was completely unacceptable and I hope he can now reflect on the severity of his actions."
He added: "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."
Judge Adams told Jacques that sentencing would be deferred to a later date and ordered a pre-sentence report to be compiled. The judge told Jacques to expect an immediate custodial sentence, granting him bail until his subsequent court appearance.
A provisional sentencing date was set for Monday, December 4.
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