Hartlepool Dentist Admits Driving Offences Following Collision Which Killed Teacher
A dentist from Hartlepool has admitted to driving carelessly following the death of a teacher; David Coutts collided James Gibson last December and the sixth form teacher died later as a result of his injuries.
Mr Coutts was driving his Jaguar in Grange Road when he hit the 28 year old teacher; paramedics and doctors tried to save Mr Gibson but he died of his injuries at the University Hospital of North Tees on Wednesday 19th December.
Mr Coutts, 58, from Lambert and Coutts Dental Practice in Grange Road, was initially facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving, but prosecutors have now offered the charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. In court Mr Coutts pleaded guilty to the charge and he will be sentenced by Judge George Moorhouse on November 29th.
Judge Moorhouse is now preparing the pre-sentence report and described the incident as “very sad proceedings.”
Mr Coutts has been released on unconditional bail.
Mr Gibson, who was from Jarrow, was a teacher at Hartlepool Sixth Form College; colleagues, family members and students paid their tributes to him when the news broke and said that he would be sadly missed.
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