Driver admits responsibility for the death of a motorcyclist following a collision in the Rugby borough

A driver has admitted being responsible for the death of a motorcyclist pensioner who died following a collision on the Fosse Way in the Rugby borough 18 months ago.

Michael Richardson had pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court earlier this month to causing the death of Christopher Parkin in July 2019 by careless driving.

The case had been adjourned for trial, but at a further hearing his barrister Daniel Oscroft asked for the charge to be put again.

Richardson (32) of Stratford Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who had been excused travelling to the court and was appearing over a video-conferencing link, then changed his plea to guilty.

The charge follows a tragic collision at around 12.25pm on 14 July 2019 at the Fosse Way junction with Bow Lane near Monks Kirby.

Mr Parkin, who was in his early 70s, was riding his Honda motorcycle when it was hit by Richardson’s Land Rover Discovery.

The pensioner suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital by ambulance, but sadly died.

At Mr Oscroft’s request, Judge Anthony Potter agreed to adjourn the case until February 23 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared on Richardson.

But Judge Potter warned Richardson, who will be required to attend court in person for that hearing: “All options including imprisonment are available to the judge on that occasion.”

Richardson, who the court heard was of previous good character, was granted bail but banned from driving.