A MAN has admitted causing death by careless driving after his car mounted the pavement and ploughed through a pub’s outdoor smoking area.

Bandile Xozumti, 41, was behind the wheel of his Nissan Qashqai when it left the road and struck the smoking area of the Spinnaker pub, in Hythe Quay, Colchester.

Stuart McClung, 36, a popular and talented musician, was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others received serious injuries.

Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning, Xozumti, of Waterside Lane, Colchester, admitted causing death by careless driving.

The court heard he was travelling around 10mph over the speed limit when the crash happened.

Philippa Beswick, representing Xozumti, said he “could not explain” the crash and added “he effectively blacked out.”

“He suffers from Type 2 diabetes, that is the reason why were looking at the issue of glucose,” she said.

Turning to footage of the crash, which took place in November 2019, she said: “The direction of travel of Mr Xozumti’s car is quite clear, it comes around the corner and carries straight on.

“There’s seemingly no loss of control of the vehicle, there’s no cars coming towards him which could have potentially blinded him with their full beam lights on – nothing of that nature.”

Judge David Turner QC imposed an interim driving ban until a sentencing hearing on Thursday, June 17 at the same court.

The sentencing hearing will hear a victim impact statement penned by Mr McClung’s partner.

Halstead Gazette: Much missed: Stuart McClung was pronounced dead at the scene of the crashMuch missed: Stuart McClung was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash

Mr McClung was the guitarist of Colchester band the New Town Kings.

In a tribute, Mr McClung’s family said: “Stu was a kind and gentle soul, a talented musician, and a much loved brother, partner and friend.”

Judge Turner ordered a presentence report prepared by the probation service before releasing Xozumti on unconditional bail.

He said: “If there’s mitigation material, get that together.

“When you’re offered an appointment by the probation service, keep it, and then be as frank as you can with them.

“If there’s any question of accessing doctor’s notes or anything, again, cooperate fully with that exercise.”

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