Detective slams 'reckless choices' of fatal hit and run killer which left much loved mum dying in road
“It is hard to imagine the pain Diane’s family has endured”
The detective who led the investigation into the fatal hit and run which killed much loved Sunderland woman Diane Jones has slammed the “reckless choices” of the driver who has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.
Just before 11pm on Saturday, February 14, Reece Roberts was driving a Volvo XC90 without a licence or insurance on the A690 Durham Road, when he struck Diane Jones, 59, as she crossed the road.
The 27-year-old failed to stop and drove away, leaving Diane fatally injured in the road.
Diane was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
The following day, Roberts attended a police station with a bag of personal items and handed himself in after reading a police appeal for information online.
Roberts was then arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.
Today (May 13), Roberts, of Florida Street, Sunderland, returned to the same court where he was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison, plus a five-year extended licence.
Speaking following the sentencing, Inspector Steven Clare, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Unit, said: “It is hard to imagine the pain Diane’s family has endured as they have tried to come to terms with what happened on February 14.
“No-one should have to go through what they have – and it is because of one person’s reckless choices that this family has been left without their loved one.”
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Diane was left with catastrophic injuries after being dragged nearly 200ft under the wheels of Roberts’ speeding car.
Inspector Clare also praised the bravery of Diane’s family and thanked the public for their support.
He said: “Diane’s family have shown incredible strength throughout and have remained focused on our efforts to bring her killer to justice.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who came forward with information following the collision – and supported our investigation.
“We’d ask the family’s privacy is respected as they continue to grieve the loss of Diane.”