A drug-driver who was more than three times over the legal limit has been jailed for causing the death of his “bright and funny” girlfriend in a motorway crash. Jamie Hughes, 23, lost control of his Vauxhall Corsa and left the carriageway of the M62 in Merseyside when he collided with a Mercedes, killing Kate Swale, 21, who was a passenger in his car.
Police said he was more than three times over the legal limit for Ketamine at the time of the incident in May 2023. Hughes previously pleaded guilty in December and on Friday was jailed for six years and nine months for causing Kate’s death by driving dangerously while under the influence of drugs.
Hughes, of Huyton, Merseyside, was also banned from driving for five years after his release and will be required to take an extended driving test prior to obtaining a licence in the future. Speaking after sentencing, Kate’s family said she was a “bright and funny” woman who will be “missed so much”.
In a statement released by police, they said: “We will have to manage the trauma, nightmares and grief for the rest of our lives because of other people’s choices; very, very, dangerous choices which were proved to be a disaster of a choice, and has smashed our world into pieces.
“Hopefully anyone hearing these words will realise that it is time to stop making the same selfish choices, in drug-driving, before you wreck lives, including your own. Kate is missed so, so, so much, every second of the day and night.
“She just did not deserve it and neither did we deserve it. All we have left of her are voice notes, pictures, videos and a glass box with her ashes.
“Kate was a bright and funny young girl who lit up every room she walked into. Like so many girls her age, she loved getting her hair and makeup done, going out with friends and enjoying holidays. She was always the first on the dance floor, lifting everyone’s spirits with her energy.”
Kate’s family have also urged people to make “safe choices” and not get in a car with someone who they suspect has been using drugs.
They said: “She had so much to look forward to and never thought this would happen to her. Losing her has destroyed our family.
“If you have a daughter, granddaughter, niece, or anyone you adore, tell them, loudly, so they hear you… never get into a car with someone you suspect has been using drugs. Cherish the people you love and make safe choices, always.”
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson said: “Our thoughts remain very much with Kate’s family at this difficult time and we continue to support them. They have shown great strength and dignity throughout this investigation and sentencing.
“No sentence can or is ever designed to make up for the loss of a human life, however we welcome the sentencing of Hughes today. This case has been distressing for everyone involved and has cut short the life of young women.
“My team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the offender has been brought to justice and that we were able to provide Kate’s family and close friends with the answers they needed. Life is precious and road death forces families into the most traumatic and frightening time of their lives and in the vast majority of cases, such as this one, are totally preventable.
“I will be clear that driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not acceptable under any circumstances. It is selfish and dangerous and in this case we have seen the devastation that it can cause.
“Kate should have been safe in a car with her boyfriend, but, due to the defendants’ actions, tragically lost her life. Hughes was heavily impaired by his use of Ketamine.”