Man jailed for killing grandmother in crash near St Austell
Police say the crash which killed 56-year-old Tracy Godfrey was "wholly avoidable"
Last updated 19th Jan 2026
A man has been jailed for more than 10 years for killing a grandmother in a crash near St Austell while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Jamie Hawken, 30, from St Dennis, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 14th November 2025.
He appeared in court for sentencing on 15th January 2026 and was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds.
Hawken has also been banned from driving for 10 years.
The crash happened on the B3274 near Ruddlemoor on 13th October 2023 at around 10:30pm.
The court heard how Hawken, driving a Vauxhall van, veered into the opposite lane, colliding with a Honda motorbike ridden by 56-year-old Tracy Godfrey.
Hawken did not stop after the impact or contact emergency services.
Instead he drove his significantly damaged van over a mile to Trethowel, before abanding it, and walking to St Austell.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where Mrs Godfrey was pronounced dead.
Police located Hawken’s van and arrested him at 4.20am the following morning.
Analysis of his phone revealed that he had sent numerous messages and made several calls shortly before the crash.
Messages also stated that he was drunk with friends who were telling him not to drink and drive.
At around 9.30pm, a further message was sent by Hawken saying that he could still drive despite being drunk.
At the time of his arrest, Hawken had alcohol and drugs in his system and was found to be three times the legal alcohol limit.
Detective Constable Rachel Ellis of the Serious Collision Investigation Team described the incident as “wholly avoidable.”
She said:
“This collision highlights the tragic consequences of driving whilst impaired through drink and driving and whilst distracted by mobile phone use.
“Hawken made a deliberate decision to drive in a way that presents an obvious risk, the intoxicated state in which he chose to drive along with allowing the interactions with his phone to become his primary focus caused him to cross the carriageway with fatal consequences.
“Driving whilst impaired through alcohol or drugs and driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most dangerous behaviours identified within the ‘Fatal Five’ along with excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving
"I hope this sentence serves to educate and deter those who fail to comply by the law.”
“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Tracy’s family; they have conducted themselves with commendable dignity and patience throughout this difficult process.
"From speaking with them and learning about Tracy, it was clear that she was an exceptional lady and loved by many; the thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tracy’s family, loved ones and friends.”
Tracy Godfrey’s family have released a statement paying tribute to her.
“We feel an overwhelming sorrow for our grandad and for our whole family as we try to navigate a loss that has changed us forever.
"Our hearts go out to the defendant’s family, who are also affected by the consequences of his actions.
"We hold a deep compassion for the witness who stayed with nan and did everything they could; they carry a burden no one should have to bear.
"It is especially painful to know that our nan only saw her great-grandson once before she was taken from us, and that she will never meet her great-granddaughter.
“We miss her every single day, and it hurts beyond words that her life was taken far too soon in so devastating a manner.”