Disqualified driver jailed after fatal crash on the A1 near Berwick
A dangerous disqualified driver who killed his front-seat passenger in Berwick has been jailed.
Shortly before 8.40pm on Wednesday, January 28, police were alerted to a one-vehicle collision on the A1 at Highfields Roundabout, near to the junction with the A1167 North Road.
It was reported that a black Peugeot 407 Coupe had been sighted travelling southbound when it left the road onto a grassed embankment.
Emergency services swiftly attended where tragically 41-year-old Jade Duncan from Dundee died at the scene.
The driver of the car, Sean Hogan, sustained serious injuries which required hospital treatment in the weeks that followed.
However, officers arrested him on suspicion of causing Jade’s death by dangerous driving on March 23.
Their enquiries in the aftermath revealed Hogan was disqualified from driving until January 22, 2027 – with CCTV and witnesses capturing him driving recklessly in the lead up and stopping to buy alcohol.
In police interview, he said he could not recall the events leading to Jade’s death after experiencing a head injury in the collision – asking investigators “who” had died.
This meant officers had to gather extensive evidence alongside of footage, including from mobile devices and tracing the vehicle’s movements between England and Scotland.
He was charged with and later admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured and causing death whilst disqualified on April 22.
Hogan, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on Monday where a judge jailed him for 13 years and four months.
He will serve four years on extended licence once he is released due to the court classifying him as a dangerous offender.
He was also handed a driving ban for eight years and eight months which he will serve upon release and he will face requirements to take an extended test in the future.
In victim personal statements read out at the hearing, Jade’s family spoke of their pain, saying: “She was the most loving, caring, and vibrant woman. She was lively, strong, and always looked out for everyone.
“She was our everything. She supported us, guided us, and was someone we could all rely on no matter what.
“Every day since you’ve been taken from us has been a struggle. The hardest thing is coming to terms with the fact that you are no longer here.
“As our family try to carry on with daily life, the reality of what has been taken from us is inescapable.”
Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all of Jade’s loved ones as they navigate this next chapter.
“It’s clear she was adored by all of her family, and especially in her role as a Mum and Nana.
“Not only was Hogan banned from driving at the time of the collision – but he put Jade at a huge risk by driving dangerously and without insurance that day.
“While we might never know the full circumstances as to how Hogan has come off the road and caused Jade’s death, we know he continued to drive in a reckless manner with no regard for Jade or others.
“This result will never fill the void felt by Jade’s family in losing her, however I hope it brings them a sense of closure as they look to move forward.”