A MOTORIST has admitted responsibility for the death of another driver eight months after a head on crash between their vehicles.

Dean Everist, 44, was told to expect a prison sentence, “measured in years”, when he returns to Durham Crown Court to learn his fate, next month.

He was at the wheel of a Mercedes C220 which collided with an oncoming Ford Focus on the A1086 Thorpe Road, between Horden and Little Thorpe, at 4pm on Saturday February 6.

The driver of the Focus, a woman in her sixties, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Everist was arrested shortly after the accident on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He previously denied the offence, but little more than a fortnight before his schedule trial, his counsel, Chris Knox asked for the charge to be put again.

Everist this time pleaded guilty.

Mr Knox asked for an adjournment of the case prior to sentence, to enable the defendant to gather character testimonials to present to the court.

He also asked for the defendant to be allowed to retain his driving licence prior to the sentencing hearing.

“He’s employed as a heavy plant operator. He’s not often on the road, but it may effect his employment.”

Refusing the request and imposing an interim driving disqualification, Judge Adkin said: “It’s too serious.

“When people plead guilty to causing death by dangerous driving they should not be permitted on the road.”

Adjourning for preparation of a probation background report, Judge Adkin bailed Everist, of Fifth Street, Horden, to return for sentence in six weeks.

He told him: “Between now and then acquire any references you need. Don’t read anything into it, just because I’m granting bail and adjourning for a report.

“It will be a custodial sentence measured in years and you should be prepared for that.”

He will be sentenced on Thursday November 18.

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