Man guilty over death crash

A man involved in a road race which ended with a car smash, killing a mother, has been convicted of death by dangerous driving.

James Atkins, aged 38, pictured, of Tividale, was racing fellow motorist Mark Botfield on April 19 last year when Botfield's Volvo smashed head on into another car, killing 45-year-old Lyn Bedford.

Family members shouted "yes" as the jury delivered its verdict at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday. The court heard that Atkins, of Ripley Close, has a history of driving offences, including previous convictions for driving without due care and attention, failure to stop after an accident and failure to report an accident.

He was warned by Judge John Wait that he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

He said: "You were driving that night at a grossly excessive speed in terrible conditions. This was a terrible offence and you face a very substantial sentence in prison."

During a three day trial Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Atkins had been racing his silver Ford Puma against Mark Botfield along Powke Lane in Oldbury.

Witnesses told the court they saw the cars travelling side by side at more than 60mph prior to the crash.

Mrs Bedford later died in hospital on May 25, after suffering severe internal injuries in the crash.

Four other passengers, including husband Alan, daughter Lucy, 17, son Tom, 13, and niece Taylor Spooner, aged 15 months, all survived the impact.

Mr Bedford suffered a broken ankle while their daughter Lucy was also treated for spinal injuries.

Witnesses told the court that after the crash Botfield got into Atkins' car and the two drove off. Botfield has already pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving.

Following his conviction yesterday Atkins was granted bail until March 16, when he will be sentenced with Botfield.

The judge also temporarily disqualified him from driving until sentencing.