A man has admitted causing the deaths of a husband and a wife in a head-on West Cumbrian crash.
David Peter Henderson, 45, was charged following the double fatal crash on the A66 in the Great Clifton area.
It happened during the late afternoon of February 13 2023 and claimed the lives of retired couple Martin Gareth Evans and Patricia Mary Evans, of High Brigham, near Cockermouth.
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, Workington, and integral to bellringing, choirs and music groups, both in the local area and further afield.
At Preston Crown Court last Thursday, Henderson admitted causing the deaths of both Mr Evans and his wife by driving a Volkswagen Golf dangerously on the A66. Mr and Mrs Evans had been travelling in a blue Renault Clio at the time.
Henderson’s case was mentioned today at a Carlisle Crown Court hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker.
Henderson had put forward an explanation for his guilt — known as a basis of plea.
However, elements of his basis of plea were not accepted by the prosecution, who suggested his culpability in the moments before the collision was greater, meaning his punishment should be more severe.
Judge Barker will rule on which version of events to accept at an additional half-day court hearing. This has been set for January 9.
One witness — a police collision investigator — will give evidence at that hearing before a judge gives a formal ruling. Judge Barker will then pass sentence on a separate date.
In the meantime, Henderson, of Arnison Close, Carlisle, remains on unconditional bail.
