[A] JURY has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of a man who denies causing the death of a fellow motorist by dangerous driving.
Calum Wilkinson, 25, admits his careless driving caused the death of pensioner David Bennell. However, Wilkinson has been on trial at Carlisle Crown Court this week having denied the more serious allegation that his driving was dangerous.
Jurors have heard the charges relate to a “horrific” head-on crash. This occurred on the A66 close to Braithwaite, near Keswick, on the late afternoon of April 29 last year.
Mr Bennell, aged 82, was travelling westbound, heading home to Braithwaite, when his Toyota Avensis was struck by Wilkinson’s eastbound Volkswagen Bora.
An eyewitness believed Mr Bennell – who suffered multiple injuries and died on May 1 last year – had “no chance” of avoiding a collision as Wilkinson’s vehicle crossed into the westbound carriageway.
Wilkinson, of Eaigle Terrace, Main Road, Flimby, has admitted he cannot recall the incident. However, having been presented with the evidence, he said in the witness box he “would dispute” that his driving was dangerous.
Judge Peter Davies summed up the case to the jury of seven men and five women this morning (WED), and then invited them to retire and begin their deliberations.
