Drug driver jailed for causing death of girlfriend

A man who admitted causing his girlfriend's death in a motorway crash while he was on drugs has been jailed.

Kate Swale, 21, was the front-seat passenger in Jamie Hughes's grey Vauxhall Corsa when he crashed into a silver Mercedes on the M62 at about 00:05 BST on 27 May 2023 and veered off the carriageway.

Hughes, who tested nearly four times the legal limit for ketamine, ultimately pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving.

The 23-year-old, of Belton Road in Huyton, was jailed for six years and nine months.

Hughes sat in the dock with his head in his hands, staring at the floor, as the court heard victim impact statements, including from Ms Swale's parents.

Her father, Marvin Swale, said: "Witnessing your little princess bruised, battered and asleep in hospital - I was wishing it was a nightmare and wasn't real.

"One year on, it doesn't heal or get any better."

Patricia Swale said: "I don't think any words I could think of would be a true reflection of how my life has changed since Kate's death.

"I won't see her have children, get married, have the life that she should have had - nothing will ever be the same now that she is not a part of our life."

The court heard Ms Swale died less than a week before she had been due to go on holiday with a friend to Las Vegas.

Hughes picked Ms Swale up from the pub where she was working late on 26 May and was giving her a lift home.

Witnesses said his driving on the westbound M62 in Huyton had been so erratic that it was "a crash waiting to happen".

After hitting the Mercedes, Hughes's car left the carriageway.

Judge David Potter said: "The incident was catastrophic - Kate's injuries were so catastrophic that it's likely she died instantly."

Hughes will be banned from driving for five years after his release from prison and will be required to take an extended test before regaining his licence.

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