MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT OVER LAYTON’S DEATH

A MAN is due to appear in court in connection with a collision which killed a much-loved five-year-old boy in Newcastle.

Layton Darwood, who was five, was fatally injured after the collision involving a van on Willow Avenue in Fenham, on August 25, 2020. An investigation into the circumstances behind his death was launched by police.

On Thursday, police confirmed that a 40-year-old man has been issued with a court summons and is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to be charged with causing death by driving while disqualified next month. Sgt Ray Lowery from Northumbria Police’s motor patrols department said: “This remains an incredibly distressing time for Layton’s family and our thoughts continue to be with them.

“They are being supported by specialist officers and we would once again ask that their privacy is respected as they process this new development.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public that the case is very much ongoing, so please do not speculate on social media.”