[A] MAN has been found guilty by a jury of causing the death of a fellow motorist by dangerous driving.
Calum Wilkinson, 25, was warned he faces prison after the unanimous verdict was returned at Carlisle Crown Court today (WED).
Wilkinson had denied causing the death of 82-year-old David Bennell by dangerous driving. Healthy and active Mr Bennell died in hospital two days after sustaining multiple injuries in a “horrific” head-on A66 smash.
He was driving westwards when the crash occurred close to his Braithwaite home, near Keswick, on April 29 last year.
Wilkinson was travelling in the opposite direction, and jurors heard his Volkswagen Bora crossed “suddenly” and completely into the westbound carriageway. This gave Toyota driver Mr Bennell “no chance” of avoiding a collision.
After hearing the jury’s verdict, Judge Peter Davies adjourned the case for background information to be prepared. Wilkinson, of Eaigle Terrace, Main Road, Flimby, was granted conditional bail and given an interim driving ban.
He will be sentenced at the crown court on July 21, but was told by Judge Davies his crime would “inevitably” be met with a prison term.
