Disqualified driver, Darren Jacques, jailed for fatal accident involving five-year-old Layton Darwood

A tragic incident unfolded when a driver, Darren Jacques from Hutton Hill in Penrith, involved in a fatal accident while already serving a ban for drink driving, was sentenced to six years in prison. This heartbreaking event occurred on August 25, 2020, outside a shop in Fenham, Newcastle.

Layton Darwood, a five-year-old boy, climbed onto the trailer attached to Jacques' work van while he made a brief stop at the shop. The consequences were devastating as Layton fell off the trailer while Jacques, unaware, drove away. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Layton succumbed to his injuries.

Jacques, who had initially given police a false name, faced charges of causing death by driving while disqualified. The culmination of a six-day trial led to his guilty verdict on September 4. Alongside the prison sentence, Jacques received an additional six-year driving ban, slated to begin post his incarceration.


The heart-wrenching impact of Layton's untimely passing echoed through poignant victim impact statements. Layton's mother, Stephany Bloomer, shared the innocent excitement her son held for a simple post-lockdown outing, only for it to tragically become his final adventure. Her words were directed at Jacques, emphasizing his lack of remorse over the loss.

Similarly, Layton's father, Stephen Darwood, detailed the immense emotional, physical, and financial toll the tragedy inflicted upon him. He expressed hope that Jacques's sentencing would serve as a deterrent to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Jacques not only provided false information to the authorities but also prolonged the process by concealing his identity for two hours. Sergeant Russell Surrey of Northumbria Police condemned Jacques's actions, citing his brazen demeanor and lack of remorse throughout the ordeal.