A man accused of causing the deaths of a husband and wife following a collision on the A66 in West Cumbria has appeared in court.
Martin Gareth Evans and his wife, Patricia Mary Evans, died after the collision between the Bridgefoot and Stainburn roundabouts, near Workington, on the late afternoon of February 13 2023.
The retired couple, who lived in High Brigham, near Cockermouth, were said in a family tribute issued after their deaths to have given so much for their local community and enjoyed many happy hours on the Lakeland fells.
Mr Evans — known as Gareth — had worked as an industrial chemist at Sellafield, while his wife taught maths, first at Newlands and later at Stainburn School.
They were long term members of St John’s Church in Workington and integral to bellringing, choirs and music groups, both in the local area and further afield.
David Peter Henderson, 45, faces two charges. These allege that he caused the deaths of both Mr and Mrs Evans by driving a Volkswagen Golf dangerously on the A66 Stainburn bypass.
No pleas were formally entered by Henderson during a five-minute hearing in front of district judge John Temperley at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
Henderson, of Arnison Close, Carlisle, spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and his address.
Judge Temperley noted that the serious levels of the charges meant they could only be dealt with by a crown court judge.
Henderson’s case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court, where he is due to appear on September 16. In the meantime he has been granted unconditional bail.
