A promising footballer, who had been capped by England Schoolboys, died when he was struck by a vehicle at a car meet in Warrington.
Sam Harding aged 20 was fatally injured in the tragic incident on the evening of Sunday, April 10, 2022, and Mason Hodgson has now admitted causing his death by dangerous driving.
The 23-year-old, of Glen Road, Morley, near Leeds, appeared before a judge at Liverpool Crown Court today (Tue) and was further remanded on unconditional bail to await sentence in a month’s time on December 19.
The court, which was crowded with family and friends of the victim, heard video footage of the incident at an industrial estate including the “build up showing general fast and improper driving in the area” which will be shown at that hearing.
Judge Neil Flewitt, KC, pointed out that there are other videos and defence barrister Martyn Walsh said that Hodson admitted they showed him driving at the car meet.
“This is not a man on a single occasion driving in such a dangerous way,” said the judge, describing the other occasions as “an aggravating factor.”
Mr Becker said that the CPS at a high level had decided no further charges resulted from the other videos.
Paul Becker, prosecuting, said that supporters of Mr Harding, of Stockport, had travelled over last night to be in time for the hearing.
He said it was regrettable that the case could not conclude today but it was because of legal technicalities involving the way magistrates sent the case to the court.
Bearded Hodgson, who had brought a large holdall with him, admitted causing the death of pedestrian Mr Harding by driving an Audi S3 on East Kingsland Grange in Woolston, Warrington, dangerously.
Judge Flewitt said that it was not that Hodgson did not deserve to be remanded in custody but it would create difficulties in him having a conference with his legal team.
The judge, who imposed an interim disqualification, told the defendant, “You have pleaded guilty to an extremely serious offence that will inevitably carry with it a long sentence of imprisonment so you must prepare yourself for the inevitable outcome.”
At an earlier hearing magistrates heard that “The defendant attended with his vehicle, an Audi S3. The complainant attended the car meet to watch the cars driving.
“At one point during the evening, the defendant was driving on Kingsland Grange at speed.”
It was said that the complainant was ‘struck by the defendant’s vehicle and, as a result, unfortunately died’, said Matthew Dixon, prosecuting.
He was known to be a promising footballer and had most recently been playing for Ashton Athletic in the North West Counties Football League.
He had also taken to the field for Runcorn Linnets and FC United of Manchester, as well as being capped by England Schoolboys.
Sam Harding
FC United of Manchester’s academy manager Tom Conroy said at the time: “Technically, Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had.
“That was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials, earning caps for his country.
“Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club.
“This is not only with regards to the standard of footballing ability but the type of person he was – kind, polite, hard-working and professional.
“He will be sadly missed, and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family.”
