A MAN accused of causing a pensioner’s death in a “horrific” head-on A66 smash by driving dangerously has gone on trial.
Eighty-two-year-old David Bennell was making a five-minute road trip home, to Braithwaite, near Keswick, when a collision occurred on April 29 last year. This involved his westbound Toyota Avensis and an oncoming Volkswagen Bora driven by Calum Wilkinson.
Both drivers were hurt. Mr Bennell suffered multiple injuries, and was airlifted to hospital in Newcastle, but died on May 1.
At Carlisle Crown Court today (MON), a jury heard Wilkinson, 25, has admitted causing Mr Bennell’s death by careless driving – but he denies doing so dangerously.
Opening the case, prosecutor Richard Haworth told jurors Mr Bennell was “without blame”. Mr Haworth alleged Wilkinson, of Eaigle Terrace, Main Road, Flimby, had crossed into the path of the pensioner’s vehicle while overtaking immediately before the “horrific” collision.
“The issue here is whether it (the manoeuvre) was dangerous,” said Mr Haworth.
“What is disputed by the defendant is the standard of driving.
“He admits that it was careless. He takes issue that it was dangerous.”
The trial continues.
