A Merseyside man has been charged with causing the deaths of two people in a crash. Kevin Hooton, 42, of no fixed abode, is alleged to have caused the deaths of Liverpool man Marty Roberts, 34, and mum-of-three Abby Storey, 35, in a two-car crash in July last year.
Mr Roberts and Ms Storey died after the crash between an Audi A3 and a Ford Focus at around 6.30pm on July 12, on the A66 at Twenty Road near Workington in Cumbria. They were both front-seat passengers of the cars involved and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges and court appearance
Charge sheets say Hooton was the driver of the silver Audi involved in the crash. As well as two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, he is further charged with causing serious injury to Andrew Holding.
Hooton is also charged with causing death by dangerous driving while not insured and while disqualified. He appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court for a first hearing today, Monday.
Inquest and tributes
An inquest opened at Cockermouth Coroners' Court last July heard Ms Storey, from Workington, and Mr Roberts suffered fatal chest injuries. The crash shut down the road for several hours. Cumbria Police said the drivers of the two cars were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Mr Roberts, who worked as a railway maintenance worker, was remembered as a "cherished soul" who "touched the hearts of everyone he met with his unique quirky sense of humour and his calm and collective nature". A friend remembered the son and brother as a "beautiful, unique soul who was loved by many", adding: "He touched so many with his warmth and humour".
Ms Storey, who worked as a sales assistant, was called a "proud and adoring mother to her three beautiful children, in whom her memory will live on every day". Ms Storey's family added: "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."
