Driver guilty of causing couple's deaths in crash

Simarjeet Singh was found guilty of multiple offences at Leicester Crown Court

A man has been found guilty of causing the deaths of a couple in a head-on crash.

Simarjeet Singh had been driving a Citroen C4 Picasso along the A47 Leicester Road, near Belton in Rutland, on 18 November 2022 when he was seen swerving into the path of oncoming traffic.

He crashed into a Hyundai i10 being driven by Gail Gale, 58, with her husband Ian, 64, sat in the passenger seat.

The couple were both pronounced dead at the scene, while Singh suffered minor injuries.

Mrs Gale was due to become a grandmother again when she died

Leicestershire Police said the 35-year-old did not have a full driving licence or valid insurance at the time of the crash.

An investigation found the swerve carried out by Singh was "indicative of being due to loss of concentration or distraction of the driver".

He claimed there had been either a stone or animal in the road but no evidence of this was found, said police.

Neither driver was thought to be travelling at excess speeds, the force added.

'No justification'

Singh, 35, of Dishley Road, Leicester, was found guilty of six offences in relation to the crash, including two counts of causing death by careless driving, when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court.

Speaking after the jury returned its verdict, Mr and Mrs Gale's daughter, Emma Johnson, revealed she identified her parents' bodies hours after giving birth.

The 34-year-old said: "There is absolutely no justification for driving without a licence, putting everybody else on the road at risk.

"Knowing mum won't get the chance to see her youngest grandchild or have a relationship with my four children is heartbreaking.

"She will miss out on having this relationship through no fault of her own. It is absolutely devastating to me."

Det Con Anna Andrew added: "This has been a heartbreaking incident to investigate.

"The actions of Singh show the devastating impact that careless driving and driving without a licence or insurance can have.

"There is no excuse or any reason to ever do this. It is putting lives, including your own, at risk."

Singh has been released on bail with conditions and will be sentenced at the same court on 17 January.