Hit and run driver Anthony Whittaker admits fatal crash

Jan 16 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

A HIT-AND-RUN driver who killed two men while they were out collecting conkers yesterday admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Banned driver Anthony Whittaker, 26, of Chesmond Avenue, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was driving a white Rover when he hit Bryan Hardwick, 26, and his friend David Weatherburn, 40, on the A688 in the town on October 11 last year.

David Weatherburn, Bryan Hardwick and his son, Liam, were struck by the Rover 45 driven by Whittaker as they made their way home from a conker-picking trip in a nearby churchyard.

Mr Hardwick, 26, died in hospital hours after the crash while Liam, who was in a pushchair, suffered serious head and internal injuries, and was airlifted to hospital.

The youngster, who is now two, has since made a swift recovery and been able to return to the family home, in Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland.

Mr Weatherburn, a 40-year-old father-of-two, of Prince Avenue, Bishop Auckland, suffered serious head injuries and died in Darlington Memorial Hospital eight days after the smash.

Appearing before Durham Crown Court yesterday, Whittaker also pleaded guilty to two counts of driving while disqualified and one count of the theft of three cases of lager from Asda. He had been fleeing from the supermarket in Bishop Auckland town centre after staff chased him when he ploughed into the family group waiting to cross the road at a traffic island.

The 26-year-old, who fled the scene but who was arrested soon afterwards, pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced for his five guilty pleas at Durham Crown Court on March 12.

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