TWO men charged in connection with a fatal road accident in Scarborough were allegedly conducting time trials when their BMW crashed through railings on the sea front, a court heard.

Hayden Rawson and Simon Gaskell, both 23, and from Leeds, swam to safety following the accident, at Marine Drive ,on May 18 last year. The third occupant, James Leslie Beverley, 23, a student from Sheffield, was killed.

At York Crown Court yesterday Rawson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Gaskell pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting dangerous driving. They will be sentenced on April 7. Andrew Dallas, prosecuting, said it was alleged the men were conducting time trials in which Rawson was driving from 0 to 60 mph.

Evidence suggested the trials were conducted three-quarters of a mile from where the accident happened, he said.

James Stewart QC, for Rawson, said his client was of previous good character.

Judge Jonathan Crabtree adjourned the hearing for probation reports to be prepared. Both defendants were released on bail. A surety of £1,000 was made by Rawson's mother.

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