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Motorcyclist admits causing the death of former Brackley headteacher
A 19-year-old motorcycle rider has admitted running over and killing a former headmaster after a judge told him he would be “extremely foolish” to plead not guilty to the charge.
Reece Parsons admitted causing the death of 79-year-old Marcus Coleman by careless driving after an accident in Brackley town centre on May 11 this year.
At a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on Friday, December 7, Recorder Nicholas Syfret pointed to the “overwhelming” evidence in the case, before adjourning to allow the defendant to consider his plea.
On his return, Parsons, of Hawthorn Drive, Brackley, pleaded guilty.
A previous hearing at Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard Parsons crashed into Mr Coleman and his wife Gillian on his Honda CBR600 while they were crossing the road near the war memorial in Market Place, Brackley.
Mr Coleman was dragged along the handlebars of the bike and did not survive, while Mrs Coleman suffered a broken ankle, broken wrist, severe bruising and grazing.
Parsons also required extensive hospital treatment after the accident.
During Friday’s hearing, Recorder Syfret said: “It would be extremely foolish if he did not enter a guilty plea at the first possible opportunity.”
The court heard there were several witnesses, and defence counsel Paul Orton was asked to “point out the strength of the case” against his client.
After the plea, Recorder Syfret said: “It is a brave plea coming before Christmas in this way, and I am sure you will receive maximum credit.”
Mr Coleman had been a prominent member of the community, having served as the deputy headteacher at Southfield School, and as headteacher of Brackley Junior School between 1985 and 1995.
He was also an active member of the Rotary Club of Brackley.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report and Parsons will be sentenced next month. He was released on unconditional bail.
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Monday 20 May 2013
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