Drug driver going double the speed limit jailed for killing Newcastle teenager
Ryan Elsander, from Lichfield Avenue, Newcastle, admitted causing the death of a teen last September
A drug driver who was travelling at more than double the speed limit has been jailed after he admitted causing the death of a popular teenager in Newcastle.
On the evening of September 27 last year, police received a report via the ambulance service of a collision on Walker Road in the city after a silver VW Golf car struck a pedal cycle.
Emergency services attended and the rider of the cycle – a 16-year-old Jayden McGuinness, of the Walker area – was found to have sustained serious injuries.
Jayden was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries but sadly passed away in hospital on September 29.
Following the collision, a full investigation was launched by Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) into the circumstances of the incident.
As part of enquiries, officers arrested a man in connection with the collision.
The man – Ryan Elsender, 29, of Lichfield Avenue in Newcastle – was then charged with causing death by dangerous driving and a further charge of dangerous driving.
As part of their investigation, officers found that Elsender was driving the VW Golf in a 30mph zone at a speed of over 70mph immediately before the collision.
Analysis of Elsender’s blood then revealed that he was over the prescribed limit for cannabis and also had a quantity of cocaine in his system at the time of the collision.
Elsender left the scene of the incident before returning shortly afterwards and contacting police.
Elsender has since pleaded guilty to both charges against him at Newcastle Crown Court, after which he was remanded in custody.
Today (Friday) Elsender was back before the same court where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
He was also disqualified from driving for 15 years and six months.
As part of a victim personal statement read to the court, Jayden’s grandfather, Brian White, said: “Jayden was just lush. He had a heart of gold and he was always thinking of how to be a loving and fun brother and cousin.”
Speaking about the collision that caused Jayden’s death, he added: “I have to pass the place where this happened every day and it is a constant reminder of the way we lost Jayden in our lives.
“The total disregard for Jayden’s life is unforgivable and should never have happened.”
Sergeant John Sanderson, of the SCIU, said: “Firstly, we would like to pay tribute to Jayden’s family and loved ones for the strength they have shown.
“The last five months have been incredibly difficult for them and we hope now that the court case has concluded they will be able to take some closure knowing that the person responsible for the death of Jayden has been brought to justice.
“Of course, any death on our roads is a tragedy but it is even more poignant when it involves somebody who was so young and had their whole life ahead of them.
“Ryan Elsender’s actions on September 27 last year were incredibly reckless and have resulted in a teenager tragically losing his life.
“My message is, as a driver of any vehicle, if you use drugs, drive dangerously and your actions result in someone’s death, then expect to be prosecuted and go to prison.”