Cumbria primary school teacher kills two in head on collision

A primary school teacher, who had been advised by medical professionals he was not fit to drive, has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison after causing the death of two people on the A66 in Cumbria.

He was also disqualified from driving for 16 years and 10 months and must take an extended retest to be eligible to drive again.

In the early evening of 13 February 2023 David Henderson, 45, was returning home from teaching at a school in Workington in his red Volkswagen Golf.

Witnesses saw Henderson aggressively overtake several vehicles at speed before he collided with an oncoming blue Renault Clio.  

Patricia Evans was driving the Clio with her husband Martin Evans as her front seat passenger; both died at the scene.

Henderson was taken to hospital where he remained for several months due to his injuries.

During the police investigation, evidence from Henderson’s medical history showed that he had been advised not to drive by medical professionals due to suffering blackouts.

In his police interview Henderson submitted a prepared statement in which he said he had no memory of the collision and that his medical team had told him he was fit to drive at that time.  

He had in fact been told that he couldn’t drive until he was deemed fit by medics to do so. He did not seek medical clearance before making his own decision that he was fit to drive.

The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Cumbria Constabulary to build a strong case against Henderson on a dual basis. Firstly, that he had been driving in a dangerous manner in the proceeding minutes before the collision.

Secondly, that due to a medical condition Henderson was aware of, he should not have been driving because of the risks of suffering a further blackout.  

In November 2024 David Henderson pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Today he has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison at Preston Crown Court.

Laura Walmsley, Senior Crown Prosecutor for North West CPS, said: "This is a tragic case involving the death of a husband and wife which could have been avoided.

"David Henderson not only chose to get behind the wheel of his car when he was well aware he should not have, but to make matters worse he drove dangerously.  

"All drivers have a responsibility to ensure they are fit and safe to drive and this case shows the devastating consequences of someone who selfishly ignored the medical advice he had been given.  

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Patricia and Martin Evans at this time."