Man admits causing death of woman and baby in horror A1(M) crash in County Durham

A man has admitted causing the death of an eight-month-old baby and his auntie in a horror crash on the A1(M).

Darryl Anderson, 38, was driving an Audi Q5 on the A1(M) between Durham and Chester-le-Street on Friday May 31 when he crashed into a Peugeot 308, killing baby Zackary Blades and 30-year-old Karlene Warner.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Zackary’s mum Shalorna was driving the Peugeot when the crash happened.

A previous hearing was told both cars were driving south from Newcastle Airport at the time.

Anderson, of Rotherham, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing death by dangerous driving during a short hearing at Durham Crown Court on Monday (July 1).

Zackary Blades and Karlene Warner. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

He appeared by video link from HMP Doncaster and spoke only to confirm his name, and enter the pleas.

He pleaded not guilty to two charges of possessing a bladed article, one relating to a knife and another to an axe, when he was stopped by police after the crash. The charges will be dealt with at a later date.

Judge Jo Kidd ordered Anderson be brought before the court in person next Tuesday (July 9) when he will be sentenced.

She said: "I order that Mr Anderson be brought from whichever prison to be produced in court for the sentencing hearing. You continue to be remanded in custody."

A hearing took place at Durham Crown Court this morning. (Image: The Northern Echo)

The court will next week hear victim impact statements from Zackary and Karlene's families.

Zackary and Karlene’s heartbroken family watched the 10-minute hearing from the public gallery of Durham Crown Court.

Karlene, an air hostess, also leaves behind a daughter.

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Paying tribute to their loved ones they said previously: “I’m so sorry you never got to grow up. Our little Zack - mammy and daddy love you so much, you didn’t deserve any of this. You were such a happy, cheeky boy. I am so sorry this has happened - our hearts are truly broken. We will never forget you, you will always be in our hearts.”

Speaking about Karlene, they added: “You light up every room you walked into like the bright shining diamond that you were. You leave behind the most precious daughter, and she will know how amazing and special you were.”

Inquests were opened into Zackary and Karlene’s deaths at Crook Coroners’ Court last week. It heard baby Zackary died of a blunt head injury and his auntie died of torso injuries.