A HGV driver has appeared in court and admitted responsibility for a double death crash in the Ribble Valley.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard a man and a woman, both in their 60s, were killed when a Mercedes-Benz lorry driven by Christopher Kavanagh hit them head on.

The couple were travelling along the A59 at Sawley in a Chrysler car when the lorry crossed onto their carriageway and hit them head on, on October 6, 2022.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services both were declared dead at the scene.

Kavanagh, 68, of Martin Drive, Darwen, pleaded guilty to causing the deaths by careless driving of Thomas Snape and Margaret Dearden.

He was committed on bail to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on February 22. He was made subject to an interim driving ban by the court.

Glen Anderton, prosecuting, said the incident had been caught on the dashcam of the lorry being driven by the defendant.

It showed Kavanagh travelling in an appropriate manner doing about 55mph following a van.

The van driver was seeking to turn right and his indicator and brake lights were clearly visible.

“For whatever reason the defendant did not take any action until the very last second,” said Mr Anderton.

“He braked momentarily but there was insufficient time to stop and he then pulled out onto the opposite carriageway.

“Unfortunately there was a car coming the other way.

"The driver tried to take evasive action by pulling to their left but did not have enough time and there was a head-on collision.

“Both people in the vehicle were later pronounced dead.”

Mr Anderton said when he was interviewed Kavanagh accepted responsibility.

He said that at the very last minute, when he realised he was not going to be able to stop he pulled onto the opposite carriageway.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said she did not believe the sentencing powers available to her were sufficient to deal with the matter.

He will be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court next month.