Driver Valdis Labeckis allegedly drank alcohol before Maidstone death crash, court told
by Keith Hunt
A driver accused of causing the death of one pedestrian and
seriously injuring another on New Year's Day is alleged to have
been under the influence of alcohol, a court heard today.
Latvian Valdis Labeckis, of Old Tovil Road, Maidstone, was
appearing for a preliminary hearing at the town's crown court.
The 21-year-old factory worker is charged with causing the death
by dangerous driving of Paul Carwithen, 34, and dangerous driving
involving Maria-Louise Cook.
Mr Carwithen, (pictured above) of Linley Close, Maidstone, and
29-year-old Miss Cook had been to London for New Year's Eve and
were walking to a friend's house in the early hours when they were
struck by a BMW 320 at the lower end of Postley Road and Old Tovil
Road.
Maria-Louise Cook was
seriously injured in a crash in Old Tovil Road, Maidstone, on New
Year's Day
Mr Carwithen, who worked with Miss Cook at Morrisons supermarket
in Sutton Road, went through the windscreen of the car and was
pronounced dead at the scene.
Miss Cook was taken to London's King's College Hospital, where
her condition was serious but stable.
The BMW, which also struck two stationary vehicles, was owned by
Ugis Luksa. Monta Kovisade was a front seat passenger and Linda
Rubine was in the back seat.
The scene of the
fatal crash in Old Tovil Road, Maidstone
Labeckis, who spoke only to be identified through a Russian
interpreter, was remanded in custody until March 8 when he will
enter pleas. A provisional trial date was set for June 10.
Family and friends of Mr Carwithen and Miss Cook sat in the
public gallery at the brief hearing and were addressed by Judge
Philip Statman.
09/01/13
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