A driver who caused a head-on crash which killed a motorist in North Devon says he “must have fallen asleep” at the wheel. Jason Rana, 39, of Gould Road, Barnstaple, was driving a Peugeot 5008 on the B3230 at Muddiford when the fatal collision happened.
Rana appeared at Barnstaple Magistrates Court today [January 10] where he pleaded guilty to causing the death by careless driving of Renata Soltys on June 4, 2023. The case was adjourned for sentence next month.
Prosecutor Giles Rowden told the court that Rana was behind the wheel of his car, which crossed into the other carriageway and collided with another vehicle. Rana made admissions at the scene that he “must have fallen asleep”.
Police said at the time they were called to reports of a road traffic collision at 3.40pm in which a 70-year-old woman died at the scene.
There were no members of the deceased woman’s family in court. It was said police have been unable to make contact with any members of her family.
Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and released the defendant on unconditional bail until the next hearing at Exeter Crown Court. Sentence will take place on February 10.
Rana was given an interim driving disqualification pending the outcome of the case.