A SPEEDING driver has admitted causing the death of one passenger and seriously injuring another after he crashed into a lorry.

Steven McMillan, 38, of Pochard Way, Great Notley, admitted causing the death of Adam Heath by dangerous driving and the serious injury of Ricky Keeble by dangerous driving at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard how McMillan, who is believed to have been travelling at 90mph along Freebournes Road in an Audi A4 early on February 26, tested positive for alcohol, cocaine and tetrahydrocannabinol, found in cannabis.

The car collided with a parked HGV trailer.

Judge Emma Peters said: “He accepts he took alcohol, he tested positive for THC and cocaine.

“It’s suggested that speed was in the 90s. He admits speeding and expressed surprise at what the speed is on the road. It will be a custodial sentence. There is no question you will be going to prison, the question is how long for.

“I will be extending your bail to allow you to put your affairs in order.”

McMillan will be sentenced at the same court on June 12.

After the accident, floral tributes and loving words were left at the spot where Mr Heath, 32, from Chelmsford, died. A tree was planted in memory of the father-of-two, with a wooden plaque inscribed with a poem.

Gazette:

In a tribute after the tragedy, his family said: “Adam meant so much to so many people. He was the firstborn, our oldest brother and a loving father to his two boys, aged eight and five years. Adam loved spending time with his children and he was an amazing dad.

“Adam was so young, he had his whole life ahead of him and his children – words cannot describe. He will remain in our hearts forever.”