North East killer driver sentence LIVE: Updates as hit-and-run diver is jailed following death of ‘diamond’ mum

The court is told Roberts has nine previous convictions, including for blackmail and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The causing injury by dangerous driving offence happened in February 2019 when he drove an Audi A6 at 40 to 50mph in a 30mph zone and struck the victim, making no effort to brake and making off from the scene at high speed before abandoning the car.

The victim sustained serious, life-changing injuries, including fractures to his spine, pelvis and leg and a laceration to his liver.

The blackmail offence also had an element of bad driving.

After collecting ?15,000 as part of the blackmail, police tried to intervene and Roberts "over a wall" as he fled from officers.