A FORMER footballer has admitted causing the deaths of a married couple by driving dangerously during a horror motorway crash.
Richard and Angela Wong, aged 62 and 56 respectively, were killed as a result of the accident on the eastbound carriageway of the M56 between junction 10 at Stretton and junction nine at Lymm.
Several cars and a HGV were involved in the collision, which occurred shortly before 5.30pm on Thursday, September 19, 2019.
Mrs Wong was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Wong died in hospital three days later, while five other casualties suffered minor injuries.
Ex-Barnsley FC striker Steven Bennett, who was driving the DAF HGV, appeared at Chester Crown Court in August last year, where he denied two charges of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.
He instead admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving during the hearing.
The 28-year-old was due to stand trial over the dangerous driving charges this morning at Chester Crown Court, sitting in a Nightingale court at Chester’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
However, he was rearraigned and pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of both Mr and Mrs Wong by dangerous driving.
His guilty pleas to both counts of causing death by careless driving will be vacated, and he is due to be sentenced back before Chester Crown Court next month.
Before adjourning the hearing, judge Simon Berkson said: “Steven Bennett, you have pleaded guilty to two serious allegations.
“The only sentence the court can impose is an immediate custodial sentence.
“This building is not equipped to deal with this today, nor is the court ready as matters have to be put to the court in your benefit and the benefit of the family of the deceased.”
Judge Berkson informed Bennett that he will remain on bail, as he was before, until his sentencing date.
The academy graduate, of Grimethorpe near Barnsley, made a handful of first team appearances for the Tykes during their 2010/11 Championship season.
Mr and Mrs Wong’s son and daughter paid tribute to the ‘devoted’ couple in the wake of their deaths last year.
In a statement, they said: “Angela and Richard were loving parents and grandparents, as well as a loving brother and sister.
“They were a devoted couple who had been married for 37 years and were well loved by all those who were fortunate to have known them – they touched the hearts and enriched the lives of everyone who knew them.
“Our parents leave behind two children, two grandchildren and an extensive family and group of friends who are all devastated by their sudden loss – they will be truly missed by everyone who knew them.
“We are forever grateful to have had them as our wonderful parents – we love them very much and they will be forever in our hearts.”
The M56 remained shut for 12 hours following the incident before reopening at around 5am the next day.
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