Man appears in court over woman's crash death

16 December 2025

News image — Claire Laybourne died from serious injuries the day after the crash

Northumbria Police Claire Laybourne sits in a restaurant with a brick wall. She has long, blonde highlighted and brown hair and wears gold earrings. There is a section of exposed brick wall between to large windows behind her and, slightly out of focus, two women are seated at another table. — Claire Laybourne died from serious injuries the day after the crash

A 28-year-old man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a woman in a car crash.

Claire Laybourne, 39, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, suffered serious injuries in the collision which happened on the A19 in Holystone, North Tyneside, on 5 December. She died the next day.

Northumbria Police said Ryan Scott had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured and failing to stop following a collision.

Mr Scott, of Chasedale Crescent, Blyth, did not enter any pleas at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Crown Court in January.

Stuart Prandle/BBC The A19 in Holystone seen from a bridge above. Two cars travel along in one direction and cars and a bus move along another bridge over it. The main section of road is like an underpass but uncovered. The picture is taken either early in the morning or around sunset as the vehicles have lights on and the streetlamps are lit, but the sky still has a lightness to it. — The crash happened on the A19 in Holystone

The crash, which happened at about 22:40 GMT, involved a Volkswagen T-roc and a Skoda Fabia which were both travelling on the northbound carriageway.

Ms Laybourne, who was driving the Volkswagen, was described by her family as "an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie and a loyal friend" whose "presence lit up every room".

Mr Scott is next due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 13 January.

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