Neil Humphries, 55, caused a four-vehicle crash while suffering an epileptic fit at the wheel of his Audi on the A1/A69 roundabout in Newcastle on October 14, 2025. The incident resulted in significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to a driving instructor involved in the collision.
Crash details and court proceedings
Katie Spence, prosecuting at Newcastle Crown Court, described how the driver of the car in front got out to speak to Humphries, who was unresponsive and convulsing. The driver returned to his own vehicle, retrieved his phone, and dialed 999 for help. During this time, Humphries' car repeatedly collided with the man's vehicle, eventually crossing the carriageway and hitting two further cars.
One of the vehicles contained a driving instructor, who suffered significant harm. Ms Spence noted that multiple vehicles and drivers were involved in the crash.
Failure to notify DVLA
Humphries, of Tynedale Close, Wylam, Northumberland, admitted dangerous driving and failing to notify the DVLA about a disability. The court heard that he had informed the DVLA about an epileptic fit in 2004 but had not updated them about subsequent seizures. Recorder Mark McKone stated: "You must have known that you were at least at risk of having an epileptic fit while you were driving and you did have an epileptic fit."
Defence and sentencing
Jennifer Coxon, defending, said Humphries had no previous convictions and that the offence was not about his driving manner but about putting himself and others at risk. She added: "He works very hard and that's clearly evident by the fact he's doing well in his career."
Recorder McKone accepted that Humphries is generally law-abiding, drives carefully, and is unlikely to reoffend. He sentenced Humphries to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and banned him from driving for 18 months. Humphries must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs.
