A man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving on a West Cumbrian coast road.
Raymond Hammil, 75, died in hospital three days after a collision on the B5300 near Maryport Golf Club at around 4pm on Sunday September 11 2022, and was said to have involved a number of vehicles.
Mr Hammil, from Maryport, had been riding a Kawasaki motorcycle.
Almost two years after the incident, Stuart Lithgow, 42, appeared at Workington Magistrates’ Court this morning to face two charges.
One alleges that he caused the death of Mr Hammil by driving a Ford Fiesta dangerously on the B5300.
A second, alternative charge alleges that Lithgow caused Mr Hammil’s death by driving a Ford Fiesta without due care and attention and at a time when it is alleged he was unfit through drink.
No pleas were entered by Lithgow, of Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth, during a court hearing in front of a district judge which lasted less than five minutes. Lithgow spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
The case was sent by district judge John Temperley to Carlisle Crown Court. Lithgow is due to appear there in front of a judge on September 27, and in the meantime has been granted unconditional bail.
After Mr Hammil’s death, his family released glowing tributes through Cumbria police. He was described as being part of the fabric of Maryport and Solway Sea Cadet Corps.
Sons Ross and Luke had said: “Dad’s passing leaves a massive hole not just in our lives, but those of so many others given he was such a well loved, selfless and caring man.” They added: “He loved being on the sea and sharing this passion through teaching and support of the cadets. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”
They also thanked good Samaritans at Maryport Golf Course, medics from the Great North Air Ambulance Service and also staff from the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for their support and relentless drive to save him after the collision.
