Jamie Hughes and Kate Swale
Photo by UGC Desmond L. Bannon & Sons Family Funeral Directors/Liverpool Echo

Family of Kate Swale Speaks Out After Her Life is Tragically Cut Short by Boyfriend’s Drug Driving

A grieving family has shared a heart-wrenching tribute to their “bright and funny” daughter Kate Swale, who tragically lost her life in a car accident caused by the reckless actions of her boyfriend, Jamie Hughes. On May 2023, Hughes, 23, was driving his Vauxhall Corsa while under the influence of ketamine, having more than three times the legal limit in his system. His dangerous driving led to a collision with a Mercedes on the M62 in Merseyside, killing 21-year-old Kate, a passenger in his vehicle.

Hughes pleaded guilty to causing Kate’s death by dangerous driving under the influence and was sentenced on Friday to six years and nine months in prison. Following the sentencing, Kate’s family expressed the overwhelming pain of losing their beloved daughter, stating that the grief they feel will last a lifetime, reported by the Manchester Evening News.

In a statement issued by the police on behalf of the family, 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 was proved to be a disaster of a choice, and has smashed our world into pieces.”

The family also urged others to make safer decisions, particularly in regard to drug driving. “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.”

The family continued, “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’s family fondly remembered her bright personality, describing her as someone who “lit up every room she walked into.” She was known for her energy, love of beauty treatments, and her passion for dancing. “She was always the first on the dance floor, lifting everyone’s spirits with her energy.”

They urged others to make safe choices, saying, “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.”

Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson praised the family’s strength throughout the investigation and sentencing. He added, “Life is precious and road death forces families into the most traumatic and frightening time of their lives… 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.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Hughes, from Huyton, Merseyside, was given a five-year driving ban and will be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again.

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