Family Angry As Man Due To Be Released Two Months Into A 10-Month Prison Sentence

The mother of a man seriously injured in a hit and run incident in Newcastle has hit out at the justice system, after it was revealed that the man responsible is due to be set free just weeks into a 10-month prison sentence.

Jamie Slessor was left with catastrophic brain injuries when he was hit by Stephen Passey’s car and dragged along the road. Twenty-year-old Jamie spent 10 days in a coma and had two life-saving operations.

His mother Julie was informed that Passey was due to be released from the Category B Holme House Prison in Stockton just two months after Newcastle Crown Court sentenced him to 10 months.

Now the family, from Dumpling Hall, Newcastle, say they are angry at the judicial system and can’t believe he is due to be released so early.

Julie said: “Jamie had only been living in student accommodation for six days and as a mother I was already worrying if he was eating right or if he was looking after himself.

“So it was awful when we had a knock on the door at 3am to say he had been knocked over. The police took us straight up to the hospital and it was only in the car we found out how severe his injuries were. It was awful, just a nightmare. Not only is this an injustice and makes a mock of the judicial system, but it is heartbreaking for our family.

“Jamie has a brain injury and lots of physical injuries. His life and ours has changed forever, but Passey is free after just two months.

“We thought that 10 months for doing what did was no-where near long enough, but to find out that he is to be released after serving such a short time is disgraceful.”

Jamie was studying at Northumbria University when he was hit by Passey’s car on the way home from a Halloween party. Passey had been drinking after finishing work and was around twice the drink drive limit when he hit Jamie on the Great North Road, near Jesmond in Newcastle.

Passey then left the scene but had to put his head out of the window to see where he was going because his windscreen was smashed.

Passey, 21, of Rayleigh Drive, Wideopen, pleaded guilty to careless driving before the collision and dangerous driving afterwards. He also admitted drink driving and failing to stop after an accident.

He was jailed and banned from driving for three years.

Jamie’s family are currently locked in a battle for compensation to secure funds to help his rehabilitation.

Fran Mayes, a partner in the serious injury team at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office is representing the family in their battle for funds to help with his rehabilitation and recover from injury.

Expert Opinion

Jamie was very seriously injured in this terrible accident. He and his family have been devastated by the effects of his injuries and through his legal claim, we are ensuring that Jamie has access to the ongoing support and rehabilitation that he requires to maximise his recovery. I wish Jamie and his parents all the best in their quest for justice." Fran Mayes - Partner

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Serious Injury claims.