Man admits causing pensioner's death on Christmas Day on A1(M)

Judith Dunn, from Bishop Auckland, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on the motorway between Junctions 57 and 58 at about 8.30pm on December 25.

Joshua Jones also admitted seriously injuring Mrs Dunn’s husband, Chris, when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

Mrs Dunn, 80, was a passenger in a white Ford Fiesta that crashed into a black Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Fiesta driver, also in his 80s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Jones, of Lys Crescent, Catterick Garrison, pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

A pre-sentence report was ordered for the 30-year-old.

Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, adjourned sentencing until November 19.

He said: "You have pleaded guilty to two serious offences and it is likely that you will receive a substantial sentence.

"That said, you are a man of previous good character, the sentencing judge would be assisted by a pre-sentence report."

Jones was released on unconditional bail and was disqualified from driving on an interim basis.

The road was closed for several hours overnight into Boxing Day while crash investigators attended and the cars were recovered.

Opening an inquest into Mrs Dunn’s death in January last year, North Yorkshire Coroners’ Court heard she died of head and chest injuries.

A death notice published in the Echo read: “Judith of Bishop Auckland, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 25, 2024, aged 80 years.

“Devoted wife to Chris, dearly loved Mam to Rachel & Michael. Treasured Grandma to Cameron, Jessica & Lucy. A Great-Grandma to Hallie & Elsie. Also, a dear sister-in-law and a good friend to many.

“Forever with us and in our hearts.”