A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with causing the deaths by dangerous driving of a Monmouth pensioner couple.
Patrick Hossack, 76, and wife Kathleen, 78, of The Rickfield, off Hereford Road, died when their Seat car collided with an Astra van near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on February 25. The couple died of multiple injuries.
Riley Smith, 18, of Doxey, Staffordshire, appeared on crutches at Cheltenham magistrates court yesterday to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Yesterday, stunned neighbours in the Monmouth cul-de-sac remembered retired architect Mr Hossack and his retired dentist wife.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "They had lived here for about three years and were good neighbours.
"Their philosophy was that life was for living, and while they were a private couple they were sociable. This is a tragedy."
Smith was refused bail and will appear at Gloucester crown court for a preliminary hearing on Monday, March 11.
The Cotswold Coroner opened and adjourned an inquest pending the criminal proceedings.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article