Overview
- Teesside Crown Court sentenced the 37-year-old mechanic to 12 years in prison and imposed an 18-year driving ban with an extended re-test.
- He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, failing to stop, and driving without insurance.
- Court evidence showed he drank eight to ten pints plus shots before driving, ran a red light at Neville’s Cross, and was recorded at about 56mph in a 40mph zone.
- After striking 22-year-old Abigail Eggleston on a pedestrian crossing, he fled, abandoned the VW Golf, and tried to burn the interior to destroy evidence; police later released body-worn footage of his arrest.
- Durham Constabulary said three people were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and released on bail while enquiries continue.