‘Cowardly’ drink driver who drank eight to ten pints before killing Durham University student is jailed

WATCH: Left in the road by a drink driver.

“Losing her has resulted in my world feeling completely and utterly crushed and destroyed. Life can never be the same for me again without her.”

These are the words of a heartbroken mother who today (March 2) saw her daughter’s killer jailed for 12 years.

Abigail Eggleston was crossing the A167 at a pedestrian crossing at Neville’s Cross in the early hours of Sunday, October 26 last year when she was hit by a Volkswagen Golf being driven at speed by Liam Bowes.

Bowes, who had been drinking heavily and had driven through a red light, did not stop at the scene of the collision; instead, he left 22-year-old Abi lying fatally injured in the middle of the road as he fled towards his home, in Kelloe.

The 37-year-old then spent several hours attempting to cover his tracks and destroy any evidence linking him to the collision.

He was arrested later that day after officers found the Golf abandoned in a layby near Town Kelloe – it had been set on fire and was heavily smoke damaged. 

Bowes was taken into police custody and questioned by detectives.  

He initially denied having any involvement in the incident, telling officers he had been drinking at a party at Langley Park Workingmen’s Club on the Saturday evening and had got a lift home with a stranger.

He claimed the Golf had been stolen while he was at the party.

However, extensive CCTV enquiries disproved his account and Bowes later admitted to being the driver.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance, and failing to stop after a collision.

Bowes, of Kelloe, admitted the offences and was jailed for 12 years at Teesside Crown Court today (March 2).

He was also banned from driving for 18 years and will be required to take an extended driving test before his licence is returned.

Several victim personal statements written by her family were read out during the emotional court hearing, highlighting the immense devastation her death has caused.

Her mother, Mandy, said: “Identifying Abi was the most upsetting and difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life – a traumatising experience that no parent should ever have to endure. I immediately felt an overwhelming need to wrap her up in my arms, warm her up, and to try and make her better.

“The trauma and shock I have been caused is unimaginable. I have experienced grief before, but nothing could ever compare to the deep overwhelming pain, upset, sadness and misery I am experiencing over the loss of Abi.

“It is utterly devastating to know that I will never be able to see, hear, hug, or talk to her again. I feel as though I am falling through a black hole with no chance of landing. There hasn’t been a day since losing her that I haven’t wept, the sounds that have emanated from me have at times sounded harrowingly and despairingly alien.

“Abi was such a kind, loving, and caring person. She was always prioritising other people’s happiness above her own. It didn’t matter how busy she was, she always made time to help others if they were in need. She had such an optimistic outlook and always focussed on the bright side of life.

“I will forever miss her contagious laugh and enigmatic smile which even strangers would comment on. She really was such a beautiful ray of sunshine.”

Speaking outside court, Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, who led the investigation, said: “Today is about Abi – remembering who she was, the joy she brought, and the impact she had on everyone around her.

“It has been both an honour and a privilege to lead this investigation, to spend time with Abi’s family, and to secure justice for them. They have shown extraordinary strength, dignity, and resilience throughout.

“Their love for Abi, the light she brought into their lives, and the irreplaceable space she leaves behind have been clear to all of us involved in this case.

“Bowes’ actions were not only dangerous and devastating, but cowardly too. After killing Abi, he chose to drive away, leaving her lying in the middle of the road.

“It was only thanks to the quick-thinking and bravery of passers-by who stepped in to help that Abi wasn’t run over further.

“Bowes then attempted to cover his tracks and destroy evidence linking him to the collision. I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on the enormity of the harm he has caused, and the lives he has shattered.

“I hope today serves as a reminder to anyone who considers driving after drinking, or who chooses to ignore the laws of the road: your actions have consequences, and you will be held accountable.”

Three other people – two men aged 38 and a 59-year-old woman – were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They were released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.