A MOTORIST has admitted responsibility for a serious road accident by driving into the back of a stationary car on a dual carriageway.

Craig Harding is said to have caused the collision, between his Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Ka, immediately ahead on the A19, in County Durham, due to, “a momentary lack of attention”.

Harding was travelling northbound on the dual carriageway when the collision took place, as the Polo struck the rear of the Ka, near the turn-off for Hutton Henry.

The Ka had come to a halt in a line of traffic which developed following an earlier accident, and as some northbound drivers were believed to be “rubber necking” a further incident, opposite, on the southbound side of the A19.

An earlier collision, caused by a driver heading in the wrong direction on the southbound stretch of the dual carriageway, led to the closure of a section between Hutton Henry and Sheration junctions.

As a result of the impact with the Polo, the Ka was thrown over, leaving the 59-year-old female motorist unconscious.

Initial treatment was offered by paramedics arriving on scene, but she was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition for life-saving surgery, and ultimately underwent lengthy treatment.

Two other passengers in the Ka were among a total of six casualties who needed hospital treatment as a result of the accident, which also involved a Mini Cooper car, on Mothering Sunday, March 15, last year, at about 10.30am.

Harding, 44, is accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Although a trial was previously scheduled for late March, if the case was to be contested, Harding admitted the charge at the plea and case management hearing.

His barrister, Paul Currer, told the court: “The allegation boils down to it being a momentary lack of attention on the defendant’s behalf as the vehicles came to a halt in a concertina effect in front of him.

“He has a clean licence over 23 years of driving and he’s a man of previous good character, but he hasn’t driven since the incident.

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned sentence to allow for preparation of a probation report on the defendant.

But the judge told him: “The fact I’m adjourning for a report should be taken as no indication as to the sentence you receive.”

Harding, of Outram Street, Houghton-le-Spring, was bailed to return for sentence, on February 26.

An interim driving ban was imposed, the length of which will be ratified at the sentencing hearing.