Killer driver to be sentenced today for Boxing Day crash in Doncaster

Ricky Hepworth, aged 24, of Newmarche Drive, Askern, Doncaster, was at the wheel of a Volvo S60 when it ploughed into a group of pedestrians in Sutton Road, Askern.

Andrew Tomlinson, 48, and his wife Faye Tomlinson, 54, died following the collision, along with Mandy Deere, 54.

Mrs Deere’s husband, John Deere, 57, was left critically ill in hospital and has suffered life changing injuries.

Hepworth pleaded guilty in January to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing a death while driving uninsured and unlicensed, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He is due to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court this afternoon.

Hepworth was driving at more than 50mph on a 20mph road when he hit the pedestrians.

Sergeant Donna Roden, the investigating officer for South Yorkshire Police, branded Hepworth’s driving ‘incredibly irresponsible’ after his court hearing in January.

At the time of the crash he was behind the wheel of a car without permission, a licence or any insurance.

He left the scene of the collision but was arrested a short time later.

Hepworth has been warned to expect a ‘very long sentence’ for the killings.