Wigan pensioner maintains death by dangerous driving denial

Charles Edwards denies causing the death of Angela Booth by driving dangerously outside a Morrisons supermarket on Blackpool Road, Preston in May last year.

The 76-year-old, of Up Holland Road, Billinge, entered a not guilty plea at Preston Crown Court during a case management hearing, and is expected to face a trial on December 6, 2021.

He had originally been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the early morning collision.

Police were called shortly before 6.25am on Friday May 24 last year by the North West Ambulance Service to the report of a collision between a woman and a Peugeot motorhome in the car park of the Morrisons supermarket on Blackpool Road, Preston.

Ms Booth, who was 39 and from Preston, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with what were described as “significant injuries.”

She was transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester where she died on Friday, June 14.

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed her cause of death as multiple injuries.

Defending, Jason Pitter QC said the defendant had not surrendered his driving licence but because there was a not guilty plea there was no requirement to.

Judge Simon Medland QC adjourned his case and granted him conditional bail but said it was no indication of the sentence that may be passed upon him.

He added: "There are some important things I'm required to say to you now so everyone knows they have been said.

"The next big date for you in May 20 when you must submit your defence statement. If you fail to do that, or it is reckoned inadequate, that fact can count against you because the jury are entitled if they wish to hold such difference against you."

He told him he had the right to give evidence at his trial but if he didn't it could be held against him.

(proceeding)

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