A 20 year old drink driver, whose driving caused the death of his 17 year old passenger, has been handed a 6 year jail sentence.
Reports have detailed that the drink driver, 20 year old Tyrone Quinn, had a number of passengers in his BMW when driving through Newcastle city centre.
1 of those passengers was the deceased, 17 year old James Docherty.
The group had got into Quinn’s car in the early hours of the morning and was spotted on CCTV driving dangerously.
As he was speeding, Quinn approached a round about, lost control and crashed.
As a result of the crash, the BMW overturned.
Police and emergency services arrived a the scene at around 4am and found that the 17 year old, front seat passenger had suffered fatal injuries.
Paramedics pronounced James Docherty dead at the scene.
Quinn was arrested by police but hindered the investigation by sitting in silence through his interview. He did not even tell them his name.
The police launched an investigation following which Quinn was identified as the driver.
Quinn was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst disqualified from driving, causing death whilst uninsured, drink driving and drug driving.
In appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Quinn pleaded guilty to the matters put to him.
He was jailed for 6 years and 9 months.
Quinn was also banned from driving for 5 years, that ban to start when he is released from prison.
Following sentence, police released footage of the CCTV to highlight the dangers of drink driving and drug driving.
Senior investigating officer, Sergeant Steve Armstrong said: “We have released this footage to show just how dangerously Quinn was driving on the night of this collision.
“He was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs and was driving in a dangerous manner at high speed in Newcastle city centre on one of the busiest nights of the year without any regard for members of the public or the passengers in his vehicle.
“I do not get any pleasure from a case where a young man has lost his life and our thoughts are with James’ family at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them.
“This is a devastating reminder of how dangerous it can be to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. People think that they may be invincible but the sad truth is that is not the case.
“The only positive that can come from this case is that it acts as a reminder to other motorists, young drivers in particular, that a vehicle can be a deadly weapon when it is not treated with respect.”
If you have been caught drink driving or drug driving and need some help contact one of our solicitors today on 0800 999 5535
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