Killer driver lied about van being stolen after much-loved cyclist died in collision in Hartlepool

William Lee Stallard, 35, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving of 58-year-old Michael Waistell who died after being hit by Stallard driving a Ford Transit on Mowbray Road, at the Fens, on July 31 this year.

Stallard also admitted doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice on the same date in that he falsely reported to police the van had been stolen.

And he pleaded guilty to drink driving on Mowbray Road on July 31 when he had 51 micrograms of alcohol in his breath.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Stallard admitted the offences in a hearing at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (September 18) over a videolink from Durham Prison where he has been held on remand following his arrest.

Mr Waistell was riding a black Carerra mountain bike when he was struck by the van at around 6.45am on Friday, July 31.

He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A gofundme page started by a close friend of Mr Waistell’s daughter has raised more £3,000 to support his family.

He was described as a “loving father, husband, son, colleague and a friend to many” who was tragically taken away.

Mowbray Road was closed for several hours as forensic investigators worked at the scene of the crash.

Sentencing of Stallard, of Moffat Road, Hartlepool, is due to take place at the crown court on Monday, October 5.

He has not asked for a pre-sentence report but the court will obtain victim impact statements from Mr Waistell’s family.

Adjourning the case Judge Deborah Sherwin said: “I can’t proceed to sentence you today.

"That’s because the family of the deceased, Mr Waistell, need to have the opportunity to be able to make statements setting out what the impact of all this has been on them and they need to have an opportunity of attending court, either in person or over the videolink.”

Stallard was remanded in custody and the judge made an interim driving disqualification.

We need your views on how 2020 is shaping life in Hartlepool - click here to have your say

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.