Man who caused the death of 39-year-old mum in horror crash faces "lengthy" prison sentence
A man who caused the death of a 39-year-old mum in a horror crash has been warned to expect a "lengthy" prison sentence.
Claire Laybourne, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, tragically lost her life when the Volkswagen T-roc she was travelling in collided with a Skoda Fabia.
The driver of the Skoda did not stop at the scene on the A19 in Holystone, North Tyneside, at around 10.40pm on Friday, December 5, and instead fled on foot.
Both vehicles had been travelling on the northbound carriageway.
Claire was rushed to hospital to be treated for serious injuries but sadly died the following day.
Ryan Scott, 28, of Chasedale Crescent, Blyth, has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury to another female by dangerous driving and causing death by driving while uninsured.
Judge Penny Moreland adjourned sentence until February 23 and warned: "The defendant and those with an interest in the case should understand lengthy and immediate custody is inevitable."
The judge told Scott, who appeared at the hearing via video link to prison, he should be "under no illusion" about the outcome of the case.
Judge Moreland remanded Scott into custody until the next hearing.
In a statement released shortly after the tragedy, Claire's family said: "Claire was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and gentle strength touched everyone she met.
"She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie, and a loyal friend.
"Her presence lit up every room, and her love held our family together in ways words can never truly capture.
"Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed beyond anything we could have imagined.
"The depth of our grief is matched only by the depth of the love we carry for her. We will miss her beyond what words are able to portray.
"Claire's memory will forever live on in all of us who were blessed to know her.
"May she rest in peace, and may we hold her spirit close as we navigate the world without her."