A MOTORIST has appeared before a Carlisle court to face charges of causing the deaths of two pedestrians by careless driving.

At the city's Rickergate court, Marc Large, 49, declined to enter pleas to the two allegations he faces, both relating to a fatal traffic accident in West Tower Street, Carlisle, on March 1, 2021 while he drove a Mercedes Sprinter van.

Prosecutor George Shelley told a district judge that the case involved the deaths of pedestrians Terence Abson, 62, and Georgina Lands, 56, who died following accident involving the defendant's van.

Prosecutors allege that the deaths were the result of the defendant driving without due care and attention.

Large, of Gleneagles Road, Sunderland, told District Judge John Temperley that he was not yet ready to enter his pleas to the two charges. The judge sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court.

It will be considered before a judge there on June 15. The defendant was legally represented during the hearing.

Following the tragedy, tributes were paid to the two people who died. Mr Abson – known as Terry -  was described as  “kind and jolly, and exceedingly friendly to all, with a lovely big smile that could light up any room.”

Georgina Lands was described as a caring mother, who was a helper at the Buddhist Centre and she loved being a part of the community. She was also an animal lover, and a keen gardener.