A VAN driver has admitted causing the deaths of two people including a mum-of-eight travelling to her 40th celebrations.
Barancan Nurcin, 22, drove the wrong way down the M25 while being pursued by police before smashing into three other vehicles.
FacebookZoe Hawes died in the crash last month[/caption]
Zoe Hawes was travelling to Canvey Island, Essex, for her 40th birthday celebrations when she was killed.
Fahad Dek, 23, who was a passenger in Nurcin’s van, also died in the crash last month.
Nurcin has now pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while unlicensed and while uninsured.
He also admitted four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after four others were caught up in the horror smash.
Officers had been pursuing the van shortly before the crash but abandoned the chase as officers assessed the risk as too high.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct are now investigating the tragic circumstances.
In a tribute, Zoe’s grieving family said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.
“She was a very much loved mum, step-mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.
“She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband.
“Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.
“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.
“We love you and will miss you forever.”
Nurcin will be sentenced on May 31 at St Albans Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ families. They have been through an unimaginable ordeal and we continue to provide them with any support they require.
“Nurcin caused the loss of two lives on that day but he has broken many more lives by his actions. He can expect to spend a significant length of time behind bars.”
FacebookThe gran was travelling to her 40th birthday celebrations[/caption]
FacebookTributes flooded in for Zoe after the horror[/caption]
Police had been pursuing a van before the crash