Jamie Hughes was locked up today, Friday, at Liverpool Crown Court over the fatal incident on the motorway at around 0.05am on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
The 23-year-old drove his Vauxhall Corsa on the M62 westbound, between junctions six for Tarbock Island and five for Huyton, while under the influence of the class A drug ketamine.
Hughes collided with a silver Mercedes C180 and lost control, before leaving the carriageway and colliding with a tree.
Kate, his girlfriend whom he had picked up after she finished work in a pub, suffered serious injuries and died from her injuries, aged just 21 years old.
Hughes, of Belton Road in Huyton, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and disqualified from driving for five years after his release.
He will also be required to take an extended driving test prior to obtaining a licence and driving again in the future.
DS Kurt Timpson, lead investigating officer from Merseyside Police, 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 a young woman.
Tributes were paid to Kate Swale by her family after she died following a crash on the M62 (Image: Merseyside Police)
“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 deaths force 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 while 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 defendant’s actions, tragically lost her life. Hughes was heavily impaired by his use of Ketamine.”
DS Timpson added: “Driving while impaired through drink and drugs devastates lives and causes unimaginable harm to people who become involved in road crashes.
“Not one of us would want to be involved in such incidents, and we must change driving behaviour to reduce that harm.
“I plead with anyone who ever takes such risks, to stop and think of the consequences of their actions.
“If you know of drivers who are breaking the law and thus putting others in danger, please tell us, so that we can take swift and robust action to prevent harm.”
Paying tribute to Kate, her family said: “Thank you to Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service and the doctors and nurses of Whiston A&E, all of whom made every effort they could to try and save her life.
Hughes was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)
“From the bottom of my broken heart, we cannot thank you enough.
“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 proved to be a disaster of a choice and 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.
“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.”