Devon & Cornwall Police News site

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

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

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

The court heard how Hawken was driving on the B3274 towards Ruddlemoor near St Austell when he encroached onto the opposing lane and into the pathway of 56-year-old local woman, Tracy Godfrey (pictured).

Police were notified just before 10.30pm on Friday 13th October 2023 to reports of the collision which involved a Vauxhall van driven by Hawken and a Honda motorbike ridden by Mrs Godfrey.

After the impact, Hawken did not stop or call 999 but instead drove his significantly damaged van just over a mile to Trethowel before dumping it and walking to St Austell.

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

Police carried out immediate enquiries which lead them to Hawken’s van. Officers located Hawken at 4.20am the next morning and arrested him.

His phone was also seized which, upon forensic analyst, showed that he had been on his phone sending numerous messages and making several calls just before the crash.

Further phone work showed that earlier that day, Hawken had had a disagreement with his girlfriend and had commenced drinking alcohol. Messages also stated that he was drunk with friends who were telling him not to drink and drive. At around 9.30pm, a further message was sent by Hawken saying that he could still drive despite being drunk.

Upon his arrest, he was found to have alcohol and drugs in his system, being three times over the legal limit.

Detective Constable Rachel Ellis of 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.”

The family of Tracy Godfrey have 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.”