A heartless hit-and-run driver brutally dragged a mother 190 feet down the road, leaving her fatally injured in a collision that occurred at double the speed limit.
Reece Roberts, aged 27, has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison by Newcastle Crown Court for causing the tragic incident. He was already prohibited from driving at the time of the accident.
The victim, Diane Jones, 59, lost her life as she was crossing a street in Sunderland on Valentine’s Day following a night out.
During the court proceeding, her daughter bravely shared a statement expressing the deep loss caused by the tragic event. She described her mother as a beloved figure and wished for Roberts to be haunted by her memory forever.
Roberts, who had a previous conviction for a hit-and-run crash resulting in serious injuries, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in this case.
The court heard that Roberts was driving a black Volvo XC90 at a highly excessive speed when he struck Ms. Jones on A690 Durham Road in Sunderland. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle being driven recklessly prior to the collision.
Investigators estimated that Roberts was driving at 77mph on the 30mph road just moments before the fatal impact. Ms. Jones sustained severe torso injuries and tragically passed away despite efforts from bystanders to help her.
Rather than stopping, Roberts fled the scene at high speed, only turning himself in to the authorities the next day. It was later revealed that he had drugs in his system, although it remains uncertain if he was under the influence at the time of the accident.
In a previous incident in 2019, Roberts had caused serious injuries to another individual in a similar dangerous driving episode. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and a lengthy driving ban as a result.
The court described Roberts’ actions as deliberate, arrogant, and selfish, emphasizing his blatant disregard for the law and safety of others. The judge condemned his behavior, stating that Ms. Jones was entirely blameless and stood no chance against his reckless actions.
Roberts was sentenced to an additional five years on extended license upon release, a 20-year and one-month driving ban, and was required to take an extended driving test. His actions were deemed cowardly and callous by the court.
Reflecting on the tragic loss, Inspector Steven Clare of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Unit expressed sympathy for Diane’s family, acknowledging the immense pain they have endured due to Roberts’ reckless choices.