A PENSIONER charged with causing the death of two drivers by his dangerous driving said yesterday he had no recollection of the accident.

Retired psychiatric nurse William Green was returning from a day out at the seaside with his wife when the crash took place on the Whitby Moor Road, in North Yorkshire, in June 2001.

Mr Green, 67, of Pemberton Crescent, Middlesbrough, denies two charges of causing the deaths by dangerous driving of Peter Cowey, 48, of Liverton, east Cleveland, and Tony Hagley, 36, of Newbottle, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

Earlier at his trial at Teesside Crown Court, Adrian Dent, prosecuting, described how the defendant's Ford Mondeo had moved over the central line on the A171 into the path of an oncoming Land Rover Discovery being driven by Mr Cowey.

The Discovery had overturned and hit a Mercedes van travelling behind the Mondeo.

The prosecution alleged that, for some reason, Mr Green's attention was diverted, leading to his vehicle veering to the right.

Yesterday, in reply to questions by defence counsel Ian Skelt, Mr Green said he had suffered a heart attack in 1995 and since that time, had lapsed into unconsciousness on three occasions.

Asked how he felt about what had happened he said: "I am truly, truly sorry that this happened, and I am extremely sorry for all the loving relatives of those who died.''

But he said he had no memory of the accident.

In cross examination, Mr Dent told Mr Green: "I suggest for one reason or another you weren't paying attention - for the few moments before this collision you were not looking where you were going.''

Mr Green, who earlier told the court that he had not had a driving conviction in 40 years, said: "I always look where I am going."

The case continues.