A DRIVER has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after crashing into a young couple on a crossing.

Ashley Deadman, 28, of Bostocke Close, Laindon, was on trial at Basildon Crown Court for causing the deaths of couple Carli Scott, 30, and Dean Evans, 25, through dangerous driving.

Yesterday, the jury of six men and six women deliberated for just over an hour and returned a unanimous verdict on both counts.

The public gallery was overflowing as the verdict was read out with a live video link connecting a separate court room where other family members were waiting.

Several members of the victims’ families and Deadman’s family burst into tears as the two guilty verdicts were announced by the jury foreman while Deadman remained expressionless in the dock.

Deadman’s defence barrister Ian Henderson invited the judge to sentence him as he did not request a pre-sentence report.

Judge David Pugh said: “I will sentence him in the morning.

“I’m going to remand him in custody overnight given the circumstances.”

The father-of-two was driving his Volkswagen Passat down Nethermayne, Basildon on March 22, last year when he failed to stop for a red light at a crossing.

Ms Scott and Mr Evans had walked almost five metres into the road when they were struck by Deadman’s car, who was travelling more than 10mph over the 30mph speed limit.

Ms Scott died at the scene while Mr Evans died at Basildon Hospital later that evening.

Deadman managed to come to a stop 60m away from the crossing.
Police officers found that he had cannabis in his system and he was arrested. But Deadman had denied driving dangerously.

He told the court during the four day trial, that although he was unsure what speed he was doing, he was adamant the light was amber when he went through.

Four witnesses testified that Deadman went through a red light at speed.

The court also heard from forensic experts who testified that evidence suggested he was speeding and that the lights were working.

Judge Pugh told jurors that careless driving falls ‘below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver’, whilst dangerous driving falls ’far below’.

After the verdict was given, Judge Pugh added: “I am grateful for the dignified way in which all the families have conducted themselves throughout.”

Sgt Peter Swan, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It was always our belief that Ashley Deadman drove dangerously.

"A pedestrian crossing should be a safe haven for people crossing the road. 

“Deadman did not alter his speed on his approach to it and drove through a red light at a minimum speed of 45mph with cannabis in his system. He did not even see Carli and Dean until he struck them. 

“By pleading not guilty, he has forced their families to hear harrowing evidence and relive the tragic events of that evening.

"I want to pay tribute to Dean and Carli’s families, who have shown great courage and dignity. My thoughts are very much with them.”