A BOY may have got his laces caught in a van before he fell under the wheels of a van and died, a court has heard.

       Layton Darwood was just five-years-old when he was dragged under the trailer of Ford Transit Tipper in Fenham, Newcastle.

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       Layton Darwood was dragged under the trailer of Ford Transit Tipper after he had been climbing on it Credit: NNP

       The youngster was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following the tragedy in August 2020.

       Sadly, he could not be saved and was declared dead shortly after.

       Driver Darren Jacques has since been charged with the little boy's death.

       Jacques denies the charge of causing death by driving while disqualified.

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       On Thursday, Newcastle Crown Court heard Layton and three other children had gone to a shop to buy sweets and food for a picnic before the horror unfolded.

       At the same time, the court heard Jacques had parked his work van on the kerb outside the shop and was inside buying alcohol.

       In pre-recorded evidence, the eldest child Layton had been with, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Layton ran off and started climbing on the trailer.

       The child said: "When I went in the shop I tried to pay on a card, but they didn't accept it, so we were going to another shop.

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       "Layton ran off and went ahead to this lorry, trailer thing, and he started climbing on it.

       "The thing started moving so I went to grab Layton off. He got stuck, I think it was his laces, and got dragged under and under one wheel.

       "I ran to go and tell the person who was in the van and he called an ambulance."

       According to the child, Jacques repeatedly said "Oh s***," and "I'm so sorry" when they told him Layton was under the vehicle.

       Layton had scrapes on his face and was moved by a passerby before being rushed to hospital, the jury heard.

       In the evidence, the child also said they were "shocked" that Layton climbed on the trailer because it was out of character for him.

       The trial continues.