A young van driver faces jail today after admitting causing a crash that left one woman dead and her friend seriously injured.

Patrick Richardson Jr ploughed into motorcyclist La-Nae Woodley and her pillion passenger, Deidre Morgan, before leaving the scene.

Yesterday, on the day he was due to stand trial, Richardson admitted causing the death of Ms Woodley and seriously injuring Ms Morgan by dangerous driving.

Detectives told The Royal Gazette they hoped the 27-year-old’s admission of guilt would provide some kind of closure to Ms Woodley’s family.

But they also revealed that the investigation to determine the identity of a second car driver, who drove through the crash scene shortly after the accident, remained open.

“This is a just plea for the actions of a man who has claimed the life of an innocent woman and seriously injured another,” Detective Sergeant Jason Smith said. “There is some sense of closure for the families at these guilty pleas, although that closure will only be complete after the sentencing.

“But for Ms Woodley’s family, their lives have been completely and forever shattered because of the tragic loss of their daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin and friend.”

Detective Sergeant Smith described the investigation into the fatal crash as a “complicated and very technical” inquiry.

He added: “Just putting together the bits and pieces of forensic evidence depended on the high levels of skill of the traffic collision investigators.

“Then of course there were the witnesses and people who attended and came upon the scene of the crash.

“This is a tragic case in many ways but it is worth noting that there is still a second active investigation ongoing to determine the identity of the second driver who drove through the scene.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone with any information about that person’s identity.”

Ms Woodley, 22, a popular sportswoman from the Friswells Hill area, had previously worked in an after-school programme before starting a course at Bermuda College.

She sustained fatal injuries as a result of the accident that took place at the junction of Middle Road and Cobbs Hill Road in Warwick at just after 4am on April 18, last year.

Ms Morgan, who was riding as her friend’s pillion passenger, suffered serious injuries and was treated at hospital.

Detective Sergeant Smith added: “Ms Morgan is still recovering from her injuries. She is picking up the pieces and trying to get on with her life.

“We have remained in contact with her, her family and Ms Woodley’s family throughout this process.”

Yesterday, Richardson, of Duck’s Puddle, Hamilton Parish was released on bail until the next arraignments session when a sentencing date will be set.

Puisne Judge Charles Etta Simmons warned him that he could face a prison sentence when he returned to court.

“I don’t want you to be fooled by the fact you are being granted bail,” Justice Simmons said.

“You have heard that the Crown will be asking for a sentence of imprisonment, and I am sure your attorney has told you that a prison sentence is possible.”

Anyone with further information about the fatal accident should call Detective Sergeant Smith on 717-0864.

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