A primary school teacher who killed an elderly couple on their way to church bell-ringing practice has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.
David Henderson’s car collided with another vehicle on February 13, 2023, after a series of reckless manoeuvres, including overtaking a line of traffic and speeding at an estimated 80-90mph. The crash claimed the lives of Patricia Evans, 68, and her husband, Martin Evans, 70, known as Gareth, members of St John’s Church, Workington.
Henderson, who suffered serious injuries and is now in a wheelchair, had previously experienced blackouts while driving. His license had been revoked temporarily in 2020 after a blackout-related crash, and he suffered a similar incident in January 2022, which he failed to report to the DVLA. Despite ongoing medical concerns, he resumed driving without medical clearance.
The couple’s family described them as "kind, generous, and thoughtful people who gave so much to their community," adding, "The catastrophic events of that night ripped a hole in our lives and the lives of everyone who knew them."
Henderson pleaded guilty to two charges of causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison and banned from driving for over 16 years, with an extended re-test requirement.
Detective Constable Tim Fowkes of Cumbria Constabulary condemned Henderson’s actions, stating, "Driving while knowingly having an unresolved medical issue was a dangerous act. His selfish actions resulted in the tragic loss of Patricia and Gareth Evans." He urged drivers with medical conditions to follow professional advice and adhere to DVLA regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
