Kevin Hooton, 42, has admitted causing death by dangerous driving after veering onto the wrong side of the A66 in West Cumbria while under the influence of drugs, killing mum-of-three Abby Storey and his own passenger Marty Roberts.
Hooton, from Liverpool, was driving his Audi when he moved from the westbound to eastbound carriageway at just after 6.30pm on July 12, 2025, and collided with Abby Storey's black Ford Focus. The crash occurred in the area of Broughton Cross, west of Cockermouth.
Ms Storey, 35, from Salterbeck, Workington, and Mr Roberts, 34, from Bootle, both suffered fatal chest injuries. Andrew Holding, Ms Storey's partner who was driving the Focus, was also badly injured.
Court appearance and charges
Hooton, formerly of Field Street, Everton, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today where he admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, while not insured and while disqualified.
An inquest opened at Cockermouth Coroners' Court in July last year heard Ms Storey, a sales assistant and mum-of-three, and Mr Roberts, a railway maintenance worker, died from chest injuries, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Family tributes
In a tribute following the crash, Ms Storey's family described her as “a devoted mother, loving partner, cherished sister and unforgettable friend.”
They said: "Abby was a proud and adoring mother to her three beautiful children, in whom her memory will live on every day. Her energy was unmatched, from her wild dance moves to her passion for karaoke, she brought laughter and joy wherever she went. Though her life was cut short, she lived it with incredible spirit, ambition and love."
Mr Roberts' family said he was a "cherished soul" who had a "unique quirky sense of humour". They said: "Marty was a cherished soul by many. He touched the hearts of everyone he met with his unique quirky sense of humour and his calm and collective nature."
