Leeds New Year Deaths Driver Sentenced

A motorist from Burley will be sentenced after pleading guilty to killing a couple in a New Year's Day car crash near Leeds.

Eduard Mereohra has admitted causing the deaths of David Metcalf, 68, and his wife Dorothy, 65, when he struck their Fiat car on the A647 Stanningley bypass on January 1.

Mereohra, 26, from Autumn Grove, Burley, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year.

Mereohra, who is from Moldova, has been told he will be jailed.

Judge Colin Burn told him: ``I am sure you now understand these two matters are extremely grave and the sentence you will receive will be a substantial custodial one.''

Following the court hearing, Mr and Mrs Metcalf's son Clive said the family were pleased with the guilty plea.

He said: ``This goes some way to putting an end to the nightmare we have experienced since New Year's Day.

``We are heartened by the support we have received from the police, friends and family.

``This plea has thankfully released all the witnesses to this terrible crime from having to relive their ordeal through a trial.''

Mereohra will be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court.