A driver with a cocaine habit who operated a vehicle without a valid licence or insurance has confessed to causing the death of a mother in a devastating car collision before absconding from the location. The tragic incident occurred on the A19 at Holystone in North Tyneside on December 5 of the previous year, involving a collision between Claire Laybourne's Volkswagen T-Roc and a Skoda Fabia driven by Ryan Scott.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Claire Laybourne, a 39-year-old resident of Hebburn, sustained grave injuries in the crash. Emergency services arrived promptly after being alerted, but Scott had already departed the scene. Ms Laybourne was transported urgently to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals fought tirelessly to save her. Despite their exhaustive efforts, she tragically succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
At Newcastle Crown Court, Ryan Scott, aged 28 and from Chasedale Crescent in Blyth, entered guilty pleas to multiple serious charges. These included causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving without a licence or insurance, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving to another woman involved in the incident.
However, the prosecution faced a significant obstacle regarding additional allegations. Scott denied charges related to causing death while over the legal limit for drugs. Prosecutors explained they cannot proceed with specific accusations concerning cocaine impairment because it remains unproven whether Scott consumed the substance before or after the collision. This uncertainty stems from the delay in his arrest after he fled, complicating forensic toxicology timelines.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Judge Penny Moreland has scheduled Scott's sentencing for February 23, with the defendant remanded in custody until that date. During proceedings, Judge Moreland addressed Scott directly, emphasising the severity of the impending sentence.
'I'm directing a pre-sentence report to assist the judge that sentences you,' stated Judge Moreland. 'You understand, the inevitable sentence is a lengthy sentence of immediate custody. The purpose of the report is to go to any issues of risk or danger you pose and to assist your counsel to prepare her mitigation. Please don't be under any illusions, however, about the sentence you will receive.'
Family Tributes to a 'Beautiful Soul'
The family of Claire Laybourne have expressed profound devastation, paying heartfelt tribute to a woman they describe as possessing a 'beautiful soul'. In an emotional statement, they conveyed their immense loss and enduring love.
'Claire was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and gentle strength touched everyone she met,' the family shared. 'She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie, and a loyal friend. Her presence lit up every room, and her love held our family together in ways words can never truly capture.'
The statement continued with poignant reflection: 'Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed beyond anything we could have imagined. The depth of our grief is matched only by the depth of the love we carry for her. We will miss her beyond what words are able to portray.'
This case highlights the catastrophic consequences of dangerous driving, particularly when combined with substance issues and disregard for legal driving requirements. The community awaits the final sentencing as the judicial process continues to unfold.
