Second victim of hit-and-run dies from injuries

Oct 21 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A SECOND man has died after a hit-and-run which killed a father and badly injured his toddler son.

David Weatherburn, 40, a father of two sons, was returning from collecting conkers with a group of adults and children including his friend Bryan Hardwick and Mr Hardwick’s son Liam when they were hit by a car on the A688 at Bishop Auckland on Saturday, October 11.

Mr Weatherburn’s family described him as a “fun-loving family man who spent much of his time with his children and would do anything to help anyone”

His sons, David, 12, and Kieran, nine, were trying to come to terms with his death last night.

Mr Weatherburn, of Price Avenue, Bishop Auckland, died of his injuries in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday night.

Mr Hardwick, 26, died hours after the crash. His son Liam, who was in a pushchair, was taken to hospital but was allowed home last Friday.

Durham Police said the two rear seat passengers of the Rover 45 car involved in the collision remained in hospital.

The 14-year-old passenger, who was treated at Newcastle General Hospital, was said to be in a serious condition and making a slow recovery. A 22-year-old is also still in hospital where his condition is described as critical.

Anthony Whittaker, 26, appeared at South Durham Magistrates’ Court, Newton Aycliffe, on October 14 accused of causing the death of Mr Hardwick by dangerous driving.

Whittaker, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, also faces a charge of theft of three cases of lager from Asda in Bishop Auckland, and two charges of driving when disqualified.

He will appear at Durham Crown Court later this month.