Paul Whitfield acknowledged driving recklessly and killing Adam Cunliffe after the father of two was discovered on the road.
After a hit-and-run, a man has admitted to leaving a father of two for dead. Early in the morning, Adam Cunliffe was discovered lying hurt on Moss Bank Road in St Helens.
The Haydock resident, 21, was later declared dead at the scene. Investigators later discovered that it happened after a collision involving a blue Mazda 3.
Since then, Paul Whitfield of St. Helens’ Hammond Street has been accused of driving dangerously and killing Mr. Cunliffe. The 54-year-old made an appearance this morning, Wednesday, July 24, before Liverpool Crown Court to answer to this charge.
Appearing in the dock with a black Karrimor jacket, short grey hair that had been shaved, and glasses, he spoke briefly to verify his identity and date of birth before entering a guilty plea to the count. Whitfield was given conditional release on August 6 and will now be sentenced on that date.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, declared: “A prison sentence is unavoidable. He needs to be ready for that scenario when the next opportunity arises.”
Whitfield has served time in prison and has a history of driving prohibitions, the court was informed. During the brief hearing, family members of Mr. Cunliffe were seated in the public gallery.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, declared: “A prison sentence is unavoidable. He needs to be ready for that scenario when the next opportunity arises.”
Whitfield has served time in prison and has a history of driving prohibitions, the court was informed. During the brief hearing, family members of Mr. Cunliffe were seated in the public gallery.
He had his best friend in addition to his nanny, so he was undoubtedly a nanny’s boy. Everyone could see the obvious bond between them.
“Everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know Adam will undoubtedly be affected by his untimely passing and will leave a lasting impression. He touched so many people’s hearts, made me proud every day, and will be terribly missed.
“He was and remains my entire universe. Until we cross paths again, my son Adam, I love you.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their kind words, flowers, and cards. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from friends and family. Additionally, I want to thank the family liaison officers Ian and Mark, who are helping the family through the process.”
At the time of the incident, the ECHO reported that, on January 12, 2022, just after 12.30 am, Mr. Cunliffe was observed lying in the road close to the Moss Bank Hotel. It was reported that one of the cars in the collision drove off.
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