A DRIVER who killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run and then tried to dispose of the car after fleeing the scene has been told he is facing a ‘substantial’ prison sentence.
Daniel Stewart pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to causing the death of 56-year-old Christopher Masterson in Dame Agnes Grove, Bell Green, Coventry, in January by dangerous driving.
Stewart (31) of Beacon Road, Holbrooks, Coventry, also admitted perverting the course of justice by arranging for the disposal of the Renault Clio he had been driving.
The charges follow an incident in Dame Agnes Grove at around 1pm on January 30 when pedestrian Mr Masterson was struck by what was described as ‘a small vehicle’ which failed to stop.
Mr Masterson, who cared for his elderly mother, was in a critical condition and was given emergency attention at the scene before being taken to University Hospital where he later died.
The police and his family appealed to the hit-and-run driver to ‘do the right thing’ and come forward.
Stewart was arrested and charged with causing Mr Masterson’s death when he finally went to Coventry police station four days later.
By then, he had arranged for the disposal of the Clio, the court heard.
With Stewart in the dock was Sophie John (29) of Miles Meadow, Bell Green, which adjoins Dame Agnes Grove.
She pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice by arranging for the disposal of the Renault Clio knowing it had been involved in a fatal road collision.
Prosecutor Madhur Rai said the case against John would have to be adjourned for trial, which was expected to last two days.
Stewart will not be sentenced until after the conclusion of John’s trial, which is expected to take place in November, and they were both granted bail with conditions of residence and that they keep away from each-other.
Of Stewart, who was made subject to an interim disqualification, Judge Abbas Mithani QC commented: “He must know that by granting bail and directing a pre-sentence report on him, no guarantee is given as to sentence.
“He must know he will receive custody, and custody for a substantial period of time.”
The judge added that it would be ‘highly unusual’ if the court did not consider a consecutive sentence for perverting the course of justice.
