Man Jailed for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving in Cornwall

A man who killed a grandmother in a collision while driving dangerously and under the influence has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Jamie Hawken, aged 30, from St Dennis near St Austell, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 14th November 2025.

He returned to court on 15th January 2026, where he was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison, of which he must serve two thirds. He was also banned from driving for 10 years.

What happened

The court heard that Jamie was driving on the B3274 towards Ruddlemoor when he encroached into the opposing lane and into the path of 56 year old local woman Tracy Godfrey.

Police were notified just before 10.30pm on Friday 13th October 2023 following reports of a collision involving a Vauxhall van driven by Jamie and a Honda motorbike ridden by Tracy.

Emergency services attended the scene, where Tracy was sadly pronounced deceased.

📷Photo of victim Tracy Godfrey

Failing to stop and police investigation

After the impact, Jamie did not stop or call 999. Instead, he drove his significantly damaged van just over a mile to Trethowel, where he dumped the vehicle before walking to St Austell.

Police carried out immediate enquiries, which led them to Jamie’s van. Officers located him at 4.20am the following morning and arrested him.

His mobile phone was seized and later examined by forensic analysts. This showed he had been sending numerous messages and making several calls just before the collision.

Further examination revealed that earlier that day Jamie had been drinking alcohol after a disagreement with his girlfriend. Messages showed he had told others he was drunk, with friends warning him not to drink and drive. At around 9.30pm, he sent a message stating he could still drive despite being drunk.

Upon arrest, Jamie was found to have both alcohol and drugs in his system, placing him three times over the legal limit.

Police response

Detective Constable Rachel Ellis from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said:

“This collision highlights the tragic consequences of driving whilst impaired through drink and driving and whilst distracted by mobile phone use.

“Hawken made a deliberate decision to drive in a way that presents an obvious risk, the intoxicated state in which he chose to drive along with allowing the interactions with his phone to become his primary focus caused him to cross the carriageway with fatal consequences. This collision was wholly avoidable.

“Driving whilst impaired through alcohol or drugs and driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most dangerous behaviours identified within the ‘Fatal Five’ along with excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving. I hope this sentence serves to educate and deter those who fail to comply by the law.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Tracy’s family; they have conducted themselves with commendable dignity and patience throughout this difficult process. From speaking with them and learning about Tracy, it was clear that she was an exceptional lady and loved by many; the thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tracy’s family, loved ones and friends.”

Statement from Tracy’s family

Tracy’s family shared the following statement:

“We feel an overwhelming sorrow for our grandad and for our whole family as we try to navigate a loss that has changed us forever. Our hearts go out to the defendant’s family, who are also affected by the consequences of his actions. We hold a deep compassion for the witness who stayed with nan and did everything they could; they carry a burden no one should have to bear. It is especially painful to know that our nan only saw her great-grandson once before she was taken from us, and that she will never meet her great-granddaughter.

“We miss her every single day, and it hurts beyond words that her life was taken far too soon in so devastating a manner.”

📷Jamie Hawkens sentencing mugshot