Passenger said to have died in 'tragic race'

TWO teenagers appeared at Liverpool Crown Court last week accused of causing the death of a 21-one-year-old man in an alleged car racing tragedy.

Barry Whittle, of Rice Lane, Wallasey, died after the Vauxhall Astra in which he was a front-seat passenger struck a lamp-post at the junction of Rowson Street and St James Road, New Brighton.

The driver of that car, John Coulson, 19, of Grosvenor Road, New Brighton, formerly of Redgrave Square, Wallasey, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Whittle's death by dangerous driving on September 9.

Coulson's co-accused, Daniel Burke, 19, of Marlowe Road, Wallasey, whom it is claimed was in a car behind Coulson's as they raced, denied the charge. Burke was further remanded on bail until his trial on June 7.

Coulson was further remanded on bail for the preparation of reports and sentence at the conclusion of Burke's trial.

Judge David Clarke, QC, the recorder of Liverpool, told Coulson that the granting of bail was no indication of the final outcome and that all options were open to court.

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