Driver smashed into a pedestrian island, went "into the air", and hit a wall in East Boldon after speeding at 80mph in 30mph limit

Three of the people in Darryl Mackie's vehicle had been so "terrified" of his driving that they got out of the car before he hit a pedestrian island, went "into the air", up a grass bank and hit a wall.

Two women were knocked unconscious and Mackie pulled one victim out of the car then left her on the road before he went to hospital for treatment to his own injuries.

The 31-year-old, who injured his leg and shoulder, was still over the limit for driving under the influence of cocaine 15 hours after the crash in East Boldon last July.

Mackie, of Douglas Terrace, South Shields, admitted dangerous driving and driving while impaired through drugs.

Mr Recorder Craig Hassall QC sentenced him to 17 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements, 200 hours unpaid work and an 18 month road ban with extended test requirement.

The judge said: "On July 18 last year you went out for a drink with members of your extended family.

"Despite having been out with them drinking for some time and having also taken cocaine and potentially other drugs, seven people poured into your car and you set off to drive them to the next pub.

"There were seven people, all adults, packed into your car.

"That, in my view, in itself was dangerous."

The judge said one of the occupants suggested Mackie's speed was "approaching 80 at times, within a 30 zone" and added: "Some of your passengers were terrified by the manner of your driving and had you stop so they they could get out.

"Even that didn't deter you from continuing to drive dangerously, even after that stark warning.

"I am told the place where you crashed your car was one that had a 30 speed limit. Whatever speed you were doing at that time, it was fast, for one of the occupants describe the car going into the air.

"It seems clear from the photographs I have seen, together with the witness statements, you hit a pedestrian island. It must have been significant speed for you to lose control, go up a grass bank and hit a wall."

The judge said three passengers were in the car when it crashed and were not wearing seat belts.

He added: "You now appreciate, I hope, that the injuries that they suffered, while distressing enough, could have been significantly worse.

"If any of those three had gone through the windscreen, clearly at least one was worried she might, they could easily have been killed."

The judge said the driving did not last long but added: "The excessive speeds at which you drove, with that many people packed into your car, led to a very dangerous situation indeed."

The court heard Mackie, who said he "panicked" when he left the car after the crash, is in employment and has since embraced his responsibilities.

John Crawford, defending, said: "He has grown up since this event.

"Fortunately there weren't more serious injuries to anyone in the car.

"He went to hospital because of shoulder and leg injuries he suffered and was arrested the following day.

"He has made progress."

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.