Man sentenced after hit-and-run on A690 Durham Road in Sunderland

Reece Roberts was driving a Volvo XC90 when he struck Diane Jones as she crossed the A690 Durham Road in Sunderland at about 11pm.

The 27-year-old had no licence or insurance and drove off, leaving Diane fatally injured in the road.

Members of the public came to 59-year-old’s aid until emergency services attended, for which her family said they will remain eternally grateful.

Diane was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Diane Jones (Image: Northumbria Police)

He handed himself in the next day after seeing a police appeal online, turning up at a police station with a bag of belongings.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was charged and admitted the charge plus driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

On Wednesday (May 13), Roberts, of Tudor Grove, Sunderland, appeared at the same court, and was sentenced to ten years and eight months in prison, plus a five-year extended licence.

Reece Roberts (Image: Northumbria Police)

In the days following her death, tributes flooded in for Diane, from Thorney Close, and a GoFundMe page was started to help pay for her send-off.

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.

Floral tributes at the scene. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

 “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.”