TRAGEDY: Gay Wharton and Chorley New Road scene A DRIVER who was racing another motorist at high speed just before former Bolton mayoress Gay Wharton was killed, has admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Mrs Wharton, aged 58, was stuck by an Audi on a pedestrian crossing on Chorley New Road, Bolton, at lunchtime on November 13. Assad Hussain, aged 23, was driving the car and has already admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Wasim Iqbal, who was behind the wheel of the other Audi he was racing, but whose car did not strike Mrs Wharton, denied causing death by dangerous driving. He was due to go on trial today but in a dramatic move, just before the jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court were set to be sworn in to hear the evidence, he changed his plea.
Gay Wharton A MAN accused of causing the death of former Bolton mayoress Gay Wharton by dangerous driving has admitted his guilt. Appearing via a video link at Bolton Crown Court Asad Hussain, aged 23, of Maplewood Gardens, Bolton pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mrs Wharton when driving an Audi S3 on Chorley New Road, Bolton, on November 13. His co-accused, Wasim Iqbal, aged 23, of Chorley New Road, Bolton denies the same offence, also in an Audi S3, and attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of a mobile phone, clothing and a car key. Members of Mrs Wharton s family were present in court as a date of June 1 next year was set for Iqbal s trial. It is expected to last for five days.