Man admits killing Flintshire couple in horror 'Evo Triangle' crash

A man who caused the death of a couple in a horror crash has been warned that he faces a significant prison sentence.

Shaun Goldstraw, 21, admitted two charges of causing death by dangerous driving in Mold Crown Court today.

Tracy Haley and Darren Lowe from Bagillt in Flintshire were killed in the accident which took place on the A543 near Pentrefoelas in the Conwy Valley on February 27 last year.

Goldstraw, of Tulip Way in Leek, himself was seriously injured in the accident on stretch of road which is known locally as the Evo Triangle.

Gordon Hennell, defending, said Goldstraw had pleaded guilty to two very serious charges and fully understood that the court would have no alternative but to impose an immediate and substantial custodial sentence.

He had suffered quite substantial injuries including head injuries in the collision, Mr Hennell said.

Goldstraw had been in custody for some three weeks.

Judge Parry agreed to adjourn sentence until next month so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared by the probation service.

“You will understand that you are now facing an inevitable lengthy custodial sentence, “ the judge told him.

But he would receive maximum credit for pleading guilty as early as he had done and that would be reflected in his sentence

Judge Parry imposed an interim driving ban in the meantime.

Goldstraw was re-bailed pending his sentencing hearing on June 1.

Prosecuting barrister Andrew Green did not open the details of the case at this stage.

That will be done at the sentencing hearing.

The emergency services were called to the scene on the A543 near Pentrefoelas in the Conwy Valley to a report of a serious collision.

Miss Haley, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mr Lowe, 43, died more than a month later as a result of his injuries.

The collision involved Goldstraw’s Renault Clio and the couple’s Mercedes SLK.

The double death shocked the village of Bagillt where the couple were described as popular.

Neighbours at the time described them as a nice quiet couple, very pleasant.