Pensioner in court over Shropshire death crash

Patrick O'Hare spoke only to confirm his name during a short hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.

He stands charged with causing the death of Merrick Burns following a crash on the A49 at the junction for Grinshill, near Shrewsbury, on June 8 last year.

Mr Burns, who was known to family and friends as Mez, died hours after the crash with a green Toyota and a white Citroen.

The motorcyclist was travelling in the direction of Whitchurch while the two cars were travelling in the direction of Shrewsbury.

Motorists at the scene attempted to resuscitate him before emergency services arrived at the scene.

But Mr Burns sustained serious head injuries in the crash after being thrown from his bike and, despite being rushed by air ambulance to North Staffordshire Hospital, died later the same evening.

O'Hare, of Beauparc, Grinshill, had been expected to enter a plea to the charge at yesterday's court hearing, attended by a large number of Mr Burns' family.

But it was adjourned by Judge Peter Barrie to allow more time for two experts who will be giving evidence in the case to prepare their findings.

O'Hare was bailed to appear back at court on May 13, when he is expected to enter a plea.

Paying tribute after his death, Mr Burns was "the best friend to everybody", his family said.

In a statement, Mr Burns' family said: "Merrick was always loved and will never be forgotten. He was the best friend to everybody and loved by all. Merrick was strong and brave – he played rugby for Market Drayton Rugby Club. He also loved to water ski and was the best at slalom skiing.

"He loved to travel and spent a year in Australia living the dream."

Mr Burns was from Market Drayton but moved to Shrewsbury and attended Thomas Adams School in Wem.

He was the son of Gary and Charlotte, big brother to Callum, Gabriella and Fraser, grandson of John and Enid Green and the boyfriend of Rache Amber. The family asked for its privacy to be respected in the wake of the crash.