Jury Deliberates, Finds Driver Not Guilty of Multiple Murder Charges
Tancredo Bankhardt, 41, has been cleared of three counts of attempted murder following a dramatic high-speed crash on the A146 near Loddon last September. A jury at Norwich Crown Court delivered the verdict after considering the evidence. Bankhardt was accused of deliberately driving his Vauxhall Astra into oncoming traffic at approximately 74mph, exceeding the 60mph speed limit, with three children as passengers. The collision resulted in serious injuries to two of the children and another motorist.
The prosecution had argued that Bankhardt intended to end his life and those of the children by driving into oncoming traffic. Details presented to the court suggested he may have manipulated seatbelts to prevent the children from being properly restrained. However, Bankhardt denied the charges of attempted murder, and also a separate charge of dangerous driving.
During the trial, Bankhardt offered a different account, breaking down in tears when questioned about messages sent prior to the incident. He denied threatening suicide and asserted he loved himself and would never wish to harm anyone. He also stated he was unaware the children were unrestrained.
Background to the Collision
The incident occurred on the evening of September 26 last year. Court proceedings heard that dashcam footage from Bankhardt's vehicle indicated speeds of around 74mph shortly before the collision on the Loddon bypass. The prosecution, led by Stephen Rose KC, suggested Bankhardt made a "terrible decision" while in an "emotional state."
Bankhardt's defense, represented by Simon Spence KC, questioned the intentionality of his actions, probing whether he deliberately moved into the path of oncoming traffic. The trial, which began on April 27, involved a jury of 10 men and two women. The legal proceedings also noted that the identities of the children involved are protected by court order.
Bankhardt, from Great Yarmouth, has been on trial for the past few weeks. The acquittal comes as the jury concluded its deliberations after being sent out by the judge.
