Man charged with causing Fenland crash which killed mum and dad

Robert Bateman, 36 known as Bob, and his wife Paula Bateman, 35, of Westfield Road, Manea, March died on Thursday evening in a head-on collision that involved a Ford Focus and an Iveco Daily van and took place on the A142 between Chatteris and Mepal just after 8pm.

The pair’s two daughters, Lexi aged 10 and 18-month old Elizabeth, were also in the car. It was initially thought that both girls, who were taken to hospital, suffered minor injuries. However, further hospital checks revealed that Lexi suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries. Both girls have since been discharged from hospital.

Luke Norton, 31, of Nocton Park Road, Nocton, Lincoln, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was charged with the offences late on Friday night (4 September) and appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court the following day.

Norton did not enter pleas to the three charges and was remanded in custody until his next hearing, scheduled to take place at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, 2 October.

He did not suffer serious injuries in the crash.

Bob and Paula’s family said: “We are utterly devastated by this news. Bob and Paula were much-loved friends to many and will be missed by everyone who knew them.

“They were also utterly devoted parents. Bob was a much-loved son and father, while Paula was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother.”

A charity campaign has already raised thousands of pounds to help Lexi and Elizabeth. To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shane-yerrell-324

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