Dangerous driver admits killing man in crash on major road

Damien Walsh was driving a blue Jaguar XE when he caused the crash that killed George Pirtheesingh, 44, on Chew Moor Lane in Westhoughton on October 28 last year.

More than a year on, the 23-year-old appeared before Bolton Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: “There is a pre-sentence report that will take some time to complete.”

He added: “At the end of the day, this is a most serious case because of George’s death.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

Walsh, who wore a black suit with a tie in the dock, spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his plea but otherwise remained silent throughout the brief hearing.

Prosecutor Justin Heyhoe told the court that Walsh had been charged with a single count of causing death by dangerous driving.

But he said the fact Walsh had been uninsured at the time he was driving last October would be treated as an aggravating factor within the main charge.

Mr Heyhoe said the prosecution was prepared to wait for a sentencing hearing later this week during which Walsh, of Ashcombe Drive, Westhoughton, would learn his fate.

David James, defending, asked that Walsh be granted bail for at least a day until his sentencing hearing takes place.

He said the 23-year-old was “under no illusions” about the type of sentence he would likely be facing.

Mr James said: “We are dealing with someone who has attended, who is facing the consequences of his actions.”

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He asked that Walsh be granted one final day to make arrangements before a likely prison sentence.

But Judge Clarke said that the defendant had already had this opportunity given that he had expected the possibility of being sentenced straight after entering his plea.

He ordered that Walsh be remanded into custody ahead of a sentencing hearing on Friday December 12.

Walsh went down to the cells in silence and Judge Clarke closed by thanking members of Mr Pirtheesingh’s family who had attended.

Source – INDIA TV