Warrington five-car collision driver set for Crown Court

Michael Hankinson, of Pine Avenue in Newton-le-Willows, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday, December 7, for a sentencing hearing.

The defendant was at the wheel when he 'lost control,' the court heard, on Chester Road in Stockton Heath on June 8 this year.

Hankinson's Ford Transit van careered out of control, and collided with another vehicle, it was said at the Magistrates' Court.

The collision took place as Hankinson turned right onto Chester Road; he was driving through that junction - at speed, the court heard - and 'lost control' of his Transit van.

His van collided with another vehicle, causing around £3,000 of damage to that vehicle.

The force of the impact caused that vehicle to collide with another one.

The crash was severe enough to close one lane of Chester Road (Image: Newsquest)

A cyclist was forced to dive out of the way of the collision, though the bicycle was damaged to the tune of some £350 at the time.

The magistrate noted that Hankinson was 'lucky to not be [in court] charged with death by dangerous driving.'

It was said that although Hankinson pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at the first opportunity, he did not hand himself in to authorities until the day after the collision took place.

The court heard that the defendant had no history of any relevant offences.

However, it was decided that magistrates do not have the authority to provide an adequate sentence for the offence for which Mr Hankinson has taken responsibility.

For that reason, Hankinson will appear at Chester Crown Court for sentencing on January 4, 2024.