Dangerous driver jailed for causing death of a Dundee woman in crash on A1 at Berwick
Jade Duncan died following the crash in January
A disqualified motorist has admitted causing the death of a woman, described as the "most loving, caring, and vibrant" mum, by dangerous driving on the A1 at Berwick.
It follows an incident at the Highfields roundabout - opposite Morrisons - on January 28th, when a black Peugeot 407 Coupe travelling south left the road and came to a stop on a grass embankment.
Emergency services raced to the scene after the alarm was raised.
But 41-year-old Jade Duncan, from Dundee, who was a passenger in the vehicle, could not be saved.
Sean Hogan, who was behind the wheel, was today (Monday) jailed for 13 years and four months at Newcastle Crown Court.
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.”
The court heard Hogan sustained serious injuries which required hospital treatment in the weeks that followed.
However, officers from the Force’s dedicated Serious Collision Investigation Unit arrested him on suspicion of causing Jade’s death by dangerous driving on March 23rd.
Their enquiries in the aftermath revealed he was disqualified from driving until January 22nd, 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 footage, including from mobile devices, and tracing the vehicle’s movements between England and Scotland.
Hogan was charged with and later admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured and causing death whilst disqualified.
And, in addition to the jail sentence, he was ordered to serve four years on extended licence once he is released, due to the court classifying him as a dangerous offender.
Hogan was also banned from driving for eight years and eight months, which he will serve upon release, and he must sit an extended test.
Speaking after the sentence, 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.
“This is a significant sentence for a dangerous offender, as outlined by the judge for the case.
“Jade’s death could have been avoided altogether, and we’re committed to cracking down on drivers who flout the law and put people at risk.”