A MAN has admitted that his careless driving led to the death of a former Royal Air Force hero in Brentwood.

Stuart Webb pleaded guilty to the charge after his van was in collision with Curtis McDonald, 49, killing him.

Webb was arrested at the scene in Kings Road, outside Brentwood rail station soon after the incident on Thursday, December 6.

Paramedics rushed Mr McDonald, of Junction Road, Warley, to Romford’s Queens Hospital but he sadly died soon after arriving.

Mr McDonald, who worked for the Ministry of Defence for nearly ten years having served for six as an RAF Regiment Gunner in Germany and Cyprus, had been on his way to catch a train to work when he was struck by Webb’s van driving above the speed limit. Webb, 49 and a bricklayer from Britannia Road, Warley failed to see Mr McDonald as he crossed the road.

At Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, April 29, he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

DI Scott Egerton, the senior investigating officer, said: “Stuart Webb chose to drive in excess of the speed limit, past a busy railway station and failed to see Curtis, leaving a family devastated by the loss of their loved one.

“Stuart Webb drove without due care and attention and will now pay the price for his decisions.”

The officer warned: “This case must serve as a warning to all drivers to ensure that they drive below the speed limit and consider the hazards they may face on their journey.”

Webb is currently on court bail prior to his sentencing at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, May 27.