Pensioner in tears as he admits causing friend’s death in crash

A pensioner was in tears as he admitted causing the death of his friend in a crash. Andrew Newton, of Robinettes Lane in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to causing the death of his friend Marilynn Kerrigan by driving carelessly.

Llandudno Magistrates Court heart Ms Kerrigan, 68, died in a crash on the A470 near Dolwyddelan last May.^[1] Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright told the court Newton was driving home from a day out at Llyn Crafnant reservoir with Ms Kerrigan on May 19.

Newton, 69, veered into the path of oncoming traffic and crashed his beige vintage Daimler into a Renault Captur, causing "extensive damage" to both vehicles. Newton, along with the husband and wife in the Renault, were taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Ms Kerrigan died at the scene from her injuries. Experts later decided that "driver error" was the cause of the crash.

Newton, who the court heard had been driving for 50 years, couldn't explain his actions when interviewed by police. The case was adjourned for a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court on September 8.

In the meantime, Newton was banned from driving. Following her death, Ms Kerrigan’s family, who were present in court today, issued a tribute to their "beloved sister and aunt".

They said: "[Marilynn] was always a very loving and generous person, who was enjoying life to the full and will be greatly missed by her family and all the many friends who knew her. The family would like to give their profound thanks to the emergency services and the members of the public who assisted Marilynn at the scene of this tragic accident, and to North Wales Police for their compassion and professionalism dealing with such tragic circumstances."

References

1. ^{^} A470 near Dolwyddelan last May. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Met Office issues 18-hour yellow weather warning for North Wales (www.dailypost.co.uk)