Sunderland man jailed after hit and run which killed pedestrian on Valentines Day
A man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after a fatal hit and run collision in Sunderland.
Last updated 13th May 2026
A man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after a fatal hit and run collision in Sunderland.
Just before 11pm on Saturday, February 14, Reece Roberts was driving a Volvo XC90 without a licence or insurance on the A690 Durham Road, when he struck Diane Jones as she crossed the road.
The 27-year-old failed to stop and drove away, leaving Diane fatally injured in the road.
Members of the public came to 59-year-old’s aid until emergency services attended – something which her family said they will remain eternally grateful for.
Diane was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
The following day, Roberts attended a police station with a bag of personal items and handed himself in after reading a police appeal for information online.
Roberts was then arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.
He was remanded in custody until sentencing.
Today, Roberts, of Tudor Grove, Sunderland, appeared at the same court, where he was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison, plus a five-year extended licence.
Paying tribute to Diane’s family, Inspector Steven Clare, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Unit, said: “It is hard to imagine the pain Diane’s family has endured as they have tried to come to terms with what happened on February 14.
“They have shown incredible strength throughout and have remained focused on our efforts to bring Diane’s killer to justice.
“No-one should have to go through what they have – and it is because of one person’s reckless choices that this family has been left without their loved one.”
He added: “We would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who came forward with information following the collision – and supported our investigation.
“We’d ask the family’s privacy is respected as they continue to grieve the loss of Diane.”