Driver, 40, to stand trial over death of boy, 5, hit by Ford Transit van in Newcastle

A DRIVER will stand trial over the death of a five-year-old boy who was hit by a Ford Transit van.

Layton Darwood was left seriously injured in the horror in Newcastle in August 2020.

Sadly he couldn't be saved and was declared dead in hospital shortly after.

Darren Jacques, 40, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today charged in connection with the boy's death.

He denied a single charge of causing death by driving while disqualified.

Jacques was granted conditional bail ahead of a trial scheduled for April 3 next year.

Heartbroken locals paid tribute to Layton after the tragedy.

Anya Beldrowsia, 36, said: “My son went to school with him. He was so young, too young to have his life taken away like this.

"It’s such sad news.”

While Lauren Miller, 19 added: “We were here when the paramedics were trying to keep him alive. It was absolutely horrendous."

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