THE trial of a motorist accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of a motorcyclist took an unexpected twist yesterday when prosecutors accepted a lesser charge.

Jemma Hansom’s case came to a halt when she pleaded guilty to causing David Morse’s death by careless driving in a collision in North Yorkshire, on June 29 last year.

It became clear during two days of evidence at Teesside Crown Court that the 23-year-old former school worker caused the accident through a brief lapse of concentration.

The trial judge, Recorder Simon Bourne-Arton, described the prosecution stance as sensible and said: “A momentary lack of care is not dangerous, it’s careless.”

Hansom, of The Green, Ravensworth, near Richmond, broke down in tears when she entered her guilty plea to the new charge yesterday afternoon.

Her barrister, Alan Armbrister, said she wanted to take the opportunity – the first she has had – to pass on her condolences to Mr Morse’s family.

After yesterday’s development, Mr Morse’s family issued a statement through North Yorkshire Police.

It said: “The tragic death of David has completely devastated family, friends and colleagues.

Our lives will never be the same without him. He brought love and laughter to everyone he knew and life will be a sadder place without him.”

They thanked the police, legal teams and Victim Support workers, and added: “It is also a tragic outcome for the family of the defendant and our thoughts are with them.”

Both families were praised for their dignity during their three days in court by Mr Recorder Bourne-Arton, who adjourned sentencing until the week beginning June 20.

Hansom was given bail until her next appearance, and was told by the judge: “It is still a serious offence and you will have been told that it carries a possible sentence of imprisonment.”

Mr Morse, a 36-year-old postal worker, from Barnard Castle, was killed when his bike was in collision with Hansom’s Toyota Yaris in Springs Lane, near Ravensworth.

The court heard how Hansom strayed onto the wrong side of the road on a bend, clipped the lead motorcyclist and then collided with Mr Morse’s Honda Fireblade.

Mr Morse, who worked at the Royal Mail depot in Darlington, was thrown from the bike, over a hedge and into an adjacent field.

Mr Recorder Bourne-Arton said none of the motorcyclists were to blame for the accident, and that Hansom was not speeding and had little time to react to the first slight collision.