A NORTH Cumbrian man has appeared before a district judge on charges of causing the deaths of a retired couple by dangerous driving.

David Peter Henderson, 45, appeared at Carlisle’s Rickergate court, where he declined to formally enter pleas to the two allegations that he faces, relating to a fatal incident on the A66 Stainburn bypass near Workington.

The tragedy happened at 5.53pm on Monday, February 13.

The prosecution case is that the defendant drove dangerously on that road on February 13 last year, causing the deaths of Pat Evans and Martin Gareth Evans.

At the time, say prosecutors, he was driving a Volkswagen Golf dangerously. The defendant, of Arnison Close, Carlisle, spoke during the hearing only to confirm his personal details. He appeared before the court in a wheelchair.

Relatives of the two people who died were sitting in the public gallery.

Following legal discussion between District Judge John Temperley and prosecutor Jackie Partington and defence advocate Joseph Cheminais, the case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court for a plea hearing on September 16.

The defendant was granted unconditional bail until that day. Following the tragedy, warm tributes were paid to the couple who died.

Mr Evans had worked as an industrial chemist at Sellafield, while his wife Pat had worked as a popular maths teacher at Newlands School in Workington and latterly at Stainburn School in the town.

"They gave so much to the community throughout their lives," said a family statement.

The couple were both long term members of St John's Church in Workington, where they were said to be integral to the bellringing, choir and music groups at the church.

The family said they will be 'remembered and sadly missed' by their family and by the entire community.