David Stewart changed his plea to guilty after a fatal motorcycle crash in Peterlee that killed Lee Stevenson.
Police stated Lee Stevenson was a passenger who was thrown from the motorbike when it crashed into a roundabout in Peterlee early Saturday, March 25, 2023.
Lee Stevenson, a 27-year-old father of two, was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene according to police.
Stewart, 34, from Stockton, initially pleaded not guilty at Durham Crown Court last April, and a trial date was set for yesterday.
However, yesterday, the judge said the charge could be presented again, and Stewart then pleaded guilty, meaning there will be no trial.
The judge noted Stewart only admitted riding the bike a month ago, and John Crawford said the family provided impact statements, adding that other family members may want to speak.
The judge wants all family to give statements if they wish, stating that Stewart faces “a significant sentence.” Stewart’s lawyer said he knew this and helped his family move, expecting a sentence.
The lawyer asked the judge to grant bail until sentencing, but the judge refused due to the case’s history, emphasizing Stewart admitted he was the rider very late and remanded him in custody.
Stewart will appear via video from prison for his sentencing on February 28, and the judge thanked Stevenson’s family, hoping sentencing brings them closure.