A Carlisle man who continued driving against medical advice and “lied to various people about his driving licence status” has been jailed for killing a couple in a car crash.

On February 13, 2023, David Henderson, 45, from Carlisle, was driving his Volkswagen Golf eastbound on the A66 Stainburn by-pass, Great Clifton. 

A court heard how Henderson moved into the westbound lane and caused a head-on crash with a Renault Clio. 

Witnesses described Henderson as driving “aggressively” during his journey prior to the crash.

The driver of the Clio, Patricia Evans, and her husband, Martin Evans (known to many as Gareth Evans), both suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Henderson sustained serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to hospital.

During their investigation police discovered that Henderson had suffered from blackouts and light-headedness for years, sometimes while behind the wheel of his car, the court heard. 

Police revealed Henderson’s driving licence was revoked by DVLA for a period of time in late 2020 after he blacked out and crashed his car on the A66 near Cockermouth. 

However, following a medical assessment, he regained his licence a short time later. 

Upon re-issuing his licence, the DVLA told Henderson that he must notify them if his condition gets worse or a doctor tells him not to drive.

The court also heard how in January 2022, Henderson lost control of his car on the A595 Cardewlees following another blackout.  

Henderson then failed to notify the DVLA on this occasion.  

A doctor advised him not to drive and Henderson then underwent a significant medical procedure in an attempt to address his blackouts.

Six months after the procedure, despite receiving no medical professional clearance regarding his fitness to drive, Henderson chose to get back behind the wheel of his car, the court heard. 

The court was told how Henderson made internet searches related to “driving with medical conditions” and “notifying the DVLA about medical conditions” several days before the fatal crash.

He lied to various people about his driving licence status, the court heard.

The family of Mr and Mrs Evans said: “Mum and Dad were the most kind, generous, thoughtful, caring people. They did so much for us, and gave so much to so many others, both within their local communities and further afield.

“The catastrophic events of that night didn’t just rip a hole in our own lives, but in the lives of everyone who knew them, from their local community where they were so active, to family and friends across the country and beyond.

“They were two beautiful, amazing souls who had everything taken away – and we didn’t even get to say goodbye.

“We miss them every day. Their endless joy of living. Everything about them, their life and what they gave to everyone around them.” 

Henderson was sentenced to more than seven years in prison, at Preston Crown Court, on Monday, February 17. 

He was also banned from driving for more than 16 years, with an extended re-test requirement.

Detective Constable Tim Fowkes (the investigating officer) of Cumbria Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Henderson’s driving prior to the collision was reckless – and the very act of driving a motor vehicle whilst knowingly having an unresolved medical issue was, in itself, a very dangerous act. 

“Henderson’s selfish actions resulted in the tragic loss of Patricia and Gareth Evans – a husband and wife of 46 years who were simply making their way to St Michael’s Church, Workington to lead a team of bell-ringers.

“Our thoughts are very much with Mr and Mrs Evans’ family who have been left devastated and heartbroken.

“Thank you to all the members of the public and emergency services who assisted at the scene of the collision; and to those who supported the subsequent investigation.

“Cumbria Constabulary is committed to the prevention of death and serious injury on our roads.

“Please drive carefully and be considerate of other road users. I respectfully remind drivers that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in a fit state to safely control your vehicle at all times. 

“I urge any drivers with a medical condition to adhere to doctors’ advice.  You can visit the DVLA website for information on notifiable conditions and other health requirements: Driving with medical conditions, Blue Badges and transport for disabled people – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)”