A MAN who admitted causing the death of his wife in a horror crash will “carry the tragedy with him for the rest of his life,” a court heard yesterday.

The vehicle Simon Aylott was driving was in collision with a lorry on the A12 near Witham last year. His wife, Rachel, 38, was sitting in the back of their Toyota Rav 4 and died from her injuries.

At Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, 34-year-old Aylott pleaded guilty to causing the death of his wife by careless driving.

He denied causing her death by dangerous driving.

Presiding over the hearing, Judge David Turner QC described the case as “very, very tragic” but warned Aylott that a jail term was a possibility.

The couple were on their way home from a holiday in New York when the fatal collision took place on March 30. Four people were injured in the collision on the northbound carriageway at junction 22, near a slip road.

Aylott, of Bromley Road, Frating, was appearing at court for a plea and case management hearing. A pre-sentence report will now be prepared. Aylott was released on unconditional bail until sentencing on August 31.

Judge Turner said all options, including prison, were possible.

It is not known what the circumstances are surrounding the incident or what caused him to collide with the lorry.

The defendant, formerly of Holland Road, Little Clacton, wore a suit and only spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

Defence barrister Marc Brown said Aylott was of good character.

During the short hearing, Judge Turner said: “This is a very, very tragic case but one which remains a serious matter.

“He will carry this tragedy with him for the rest of his life.”