A court was informed that a man with three children in his car deliberately drove into oncoming traffic in an attempt to end his own life and that of his passengers. Tancredo Bankhardt allegedly orchestrated a road traffic collision on the A146 near Loddon, Norfolk, last September by driving into oncoming traffic at high speed. The prosecutor, Stephen Rose KC, claimed that Bankhardt, who did not ensure that any of the passengers were wearing seatbelts, caused a serious collision involving multiple vehicles.
According to Mr. Rose, the prosecution alleges that Bankhardt intentionally caused the collision to end his own life and that of the three children, resulting in serious injuries but no fatalities. Bankhardt, from Saxon Road, Great Yarmouth, is facing trial on three counts of attempted murder and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Norfolk Police reported that the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash sustained injuries but survived. Bankhardt also denies a charge of dangerous driving.
The prosecutor stated that Bankhardt was observed driving back and forth on a section of the A146 for approximately two hours before the collision, indicating deliberate behavior. The collision occurred at 8:33 pm on the Loddon bypass, where the speed limit is 60mph. The vehicle’s dashcam recorded a speed of around 74mph before the collision, as per the barrister.
Mr. Rose mentioned that Bankhardt is expected to claim that the incident was an unintended accident and that he did not have any intention to harm himself or the children. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.